President of Business Club Ikeja (BCI), Dr Adesola Falaiye, has said that sustained stability in Nigeria's foreign exchange market would restore investor confidence and enable businesses to plan and grow more effectively.
Falaiye made the statement in Lagos during the club's 30th anniversary and 2026 New Year Get-together held at the BCI Club House at Hakeem Balogun Street, Alausa, Ikeja.
She noted that predictability in the foreign exchange regime remains critical for business sustainability, stressing that reduced volatility would ease operational uncertainty and encourage long-term investment across sectors.
The event marked three decades of the club's existence, celebrating its resilience, collaboration and continued relevance within Nigeria's challenging business environment. It attracted business leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders who reflected on the club's journey and future direction.
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Founded in 1991 and formally registered in 1996, Business Club Ikeja has evolved from informal meetings held in members' offices into a structured business institution with a permanent clubhouse and a growing footprint in Lagos' commercial ecosystem.
In her welcome address, Falaiye described the milestone as a moment of reflection and gratitude rather than as an occasion for elaborate speeches. She said the convergence of a new year with the club's 30-year anniversary symbolised endurance and opportunity.
According to her, the anniversary theme, "New Year, New Heights," reflects the club's resilience and determination to aim higher despite economic uncertainty and changing market conditions. She emphasised that the club's strength lies in its people, partnerships and shared values rather than structures alone.
Falaiye urged members to recommit to strengthening the club's role in advocacy, mentorship and impact, noting the importance of building an institution that would remain relevant to future generations.
From the Board of Trustees, Dr Bamidele Makanjuola highlighted the club's survival through difficult periods, including the COVID-19 era. He said efforts were ongoing to restore BCI to its founding vision as a leading business club comparable to elite institutions such as the Metropolitan Club.
Makanjuola called on companies in the Ikeja, Ilupeju, and Papa Ajao business districts to re-engage with the club, expressing confidence in the current leadership's capacity to reposition BCI for growth.
Co-chairman of the Planning Committee, Funmi Olonilua Okougbo, described the club's 30-year survival as remarkable given Nigeria's complex business climate. She said BCI membership provides opportunities for networking, mentorship, business development and social interaction.
The honorary secretary of the club, Lekan Alabi, said the anniversary underscored the importance of structure, leadership and continuity. He described BCI as a collaborative platform that strengthens the business environment despite challenges such as member relocation and career changes.
The vice president of BCI, Ismail Akintunde, said the club's longevity reflected resilience in a demanding economic climate. He noted that the founding objective of creating synergy among member organisations remains intact, adding that the current administration is focused on membership expansion and capacity-building initiatives.
Among award recipients, Group managing director of Reals Pharmaceutical Limited, Pharm. Ade Popoola described BCI as a platform for peer-level engagement among business leaders. He said collective advocacy helps members address shared challenges such as foreign exchange volatility and customs bottlenecks. Popoola received a Consistency Award for sustained commitment to the club.
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One of the speakers at the event, Ambassador Kola Aderibigbe, Managing Director and CEO of KSP Shipping and Logistics Limited and Vice President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, urged members to view the 30th anniversary as a starting point rather than a culmination. He stressed the importance of capacity development, leadership and collaboration in positioning the club for future opportunities.
The celebration also featured recognition of past presidents, including the late Ambassador (Dr.) Christopher Kolade (CON), late Chief Fred Okunola, Chief Samuel Bolarinde and Tajudeen Akande, for their contributions to the club's foundation.
