On July 19, 1996, the Aviary Club of Nigeria was founded and officially registered under IT 9606. This day is far more than a date on the calendar it is the moment a vision hatched. A vision rooted in unity, tradition, purpose, and brotherhood. Since then, this legacy has evolved into a thriving global movement that continues to inspire and transform.
The month of July holds a special significance for Avians around the world. It represents not just a beginning, but a rebirth a transformative period that saw the restructuring and realignment of the club’s vision, governance, and commitment to our timeless values. It is a month that reminds us of who we are, where we come from, and the mission we are called to fulfill.
Our Pioneers: Giants Among Men
At the heart of this noble initiative were men of uncommon valor. Leading the charge was our Pioneer Elder’s Council Chairman, Late Elder Ropo Oloyede. His leadership and foresight laid the firm foundation upon which the club was built.
He was succeeded by another exceptional statesman, Late Pastor Elder Olufemi Martins, a leader whose contributions went beyond the club. At the time of his passing, he held several influential positions including the Chairman of the Alumni Association of his alma mater, Provost of the West African Theological Seminary, and Chairman of the Elders' Committee of the “Group of Friends Club”, which later metamorphosed into the Incorporated Trustees of the Aviary Club of Nigeria.
Pastor Martins, fondly known as Baba Marto, was a man of humility, compassion, and boundless friendship. His circle spanned across ages, professions, classes, and religions from the elite to the common man. His charisma and dedication gave the Aviary Club a global identity, garnering respect, admiration, and commendations.
He often preached that “valiant toiling will lead you to the height of your endeavors,” and he lived those words. Even from his hospital bed, he found strength to plan a small birthday celebration for his 89 year old mother on May 22, 2022. According to his lawyer, his final concern was for the care of his loved ones a testament to his unwavering heart.
Today, we, his friends, family, and fellow Avians, are determined to carry out his final wishes, especially the empowerment of his son, Sijuola Bode, in line with the legacy of kindness and service Baba Marto embodied.
Present Leadership and Guiding Light
The baton of leadership now rests with Elder Olusegun Olusakin, the current Elder’s Council Chairman, who has remained steadfast in upholding our core values: honour, service, and integrity.
These leaders past and present remain the bedrock of the Aviary spirit. Through their sacrifices, we have grown in strength, reputation, and global relevance.
Leadership Legacy of the Aviary Club of Nigeria: A Chronicle of Vision, Structure, Identity, Reform, and Global Impact
For nearly 16 years, the club remained in its formative phase a period defined by deep conversations, tireless meetings, and the laying of solid ideological and structural foundations. These were years of intentional patience, as the founding members and early stakeholders refused to rush what they envisioned to be a timeless institution. They understood that greatness is never hurried it is built brick by brick, with every detail designed to ensure sustainability, excellence, and relevance.
This long preparatory phase from 1996 to 2012 was a testament to commitment, brotherhood, and belief in the vision. It allowed for the shaping of the club’s identity, the crystallization of its values, and the vetting of its future leaders. It was a gestation period during which principles were tested, loyalty was forged, and unity was refined.
It wasn’t until 2012, under the leadership of Late Barr. Frank Oru, that the formal administration was constituted marking the official transition from idea to institution. This moment was not an abrupt beginning but rather the culmination of 16 years of hard work, sacrifice, and silent labor.
From that point forward, the Aviary Club began to take form in its modern expression an organization governed by structure, guided by a strong ethos, and driven by a clear mission: to build a community of gentlemen united by values, vision, and the commitment to leave a positive legacy., the Aviary Club of Nigeria has stood as a beacon of gentlemanly fellowship, purposeful engagement, and social impact. Much of the club’s growth and enduring relevance can be attributed to the strategic and transformative leadership provided by its Administrative. Each administration left a unique imprint on the club’s evolution moving from vision to visibility. Below is a tribute to these icons of leadership whose stewardship continues to shape the Aviary legacy.
Late Bar. Frank Oru (2012 - 2013):
The Visionary Initiator
The late Barrister Frank Oru was more than a president, he was a trailblazer whose foresight and passion catalyzed the Aviary Club’s journey toward becoming a purposeful fraternity of distinction. His tenure, though brief, was monumental. He set the vision in motion by outlining a bold path for the club’s relevance beyond social gatherings emphasizing unity, purpose, and legacy.
His remarkable ability to articulate a bigger picture inspired early members to see the Aviary Club not just as a local association, but as a platform for shaping lives, building brotherhood, and impacting society. It is on the foundation he laid that others built.
Elder Bayo Ali (2013 — 2016): The Stabilizing Strategist
Taking the reins after a dynamic start, Elder Bayo Ali served as a steadying presence during the club’s formative years. His administration was marked by structure, administrative discipline, and organizational clarity. He introduced vital constitutional reforms, strengthened financial accountability, and nurtured a sense of order in the club’s internal operations.
Elder Ali’s contribution was critical in helping the club avoid early pitfalls of disorganization. Under his leadership, the Aviary Club solidified its local chapters and ensured continuity in leadership and member engagement.
Elder Babatunde Olukoga (2016 — 2019): The Identity Builder
During his tenure, Elder Babatunde Olukoga championed the cause of fraternal unity and identity consolidation. He reinforced the club’s ethos of brotherhood, mutual support, and cultural pride, ensuring that each member saw himself as a vital part of something greater.
His deep understanding of tradition and symbolism helped unify the club across chapters and provinces. By prioritizing rituals, creeds, and ceremonies, he strengthened the Aviary identity, making it a source of pride and belonging for members.
Elder Bidemi Agbaje (2019 — 2023): The Reformer and Modernizer
With a forward-looking approach, Elder Bidemi Agbaje ushered in a progressive era of reform and modernization. His administration boldly embraced digital transformation, revamped membership policies, enhanced inter-chapter communication, and introduced contemporary governance models.
Elder Agbaje focused on inclusivity, transparency, and innovation. He opened the doors to younger professionals, introduced global partnerships, and emphasized excellence. His tenure repositioned the Aviary Club as a modern, relevant institution for a new generation.
Sir Odia Eromosele (2023 – Present): The Global Ambassador
The current President, Sir Odia Eromosele, represents a new chapter of global visibility, strategic relevance, and impactful leadership. With a clear focus on international expansion, sustainable impact, and cross-sector collaboration, he is positioning the Aviary Club of Nigeria as a respected voice within the global community of fraternal and service organizations.
Sir Eromosele is spearheading strategic partnerships, amplifying the club’s social media and media presence, and fostering a leadership culture that values excellence, diplomacy, and results. His administration has prioritized charity, civic engagement, and professional advancement.
Our Foundation Our Tomorrow:
On this special edition of “DO YOU KNOW?”, we honour Founders’ Day a celebration of our birth, and our unstoppable future.
Let us reflect on the rich heritage we’ve inherited. Let us recommit to the values that define us. And above all, let us walk boldly into the future knowing that the Aviary spirit lives on in every act of unity, in every deed of service, and in every Avian heart.
ACN Media
Aviary Club of Nigeria
📧 info@theaviaryclub.org
📧 media@theaviaryclub.org
🌐 www.theaviaryclub.org
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