Lifestyle

Surulere Toastmasters Club Celebrates 15 Year Anniversary & Leadership Transition

Published

3 months ago

September 6, 2024

Cami Ezenwa

The Surulere Toastmasters Club, a proud chapter of Toastmasters International, celebrated its 15th-year anniversary on August 18, 2024, at Alaka Estate, Surulere, Lagos.

The glamorous celebration featured three significant events:

1. Induction Ceremony: Welcoming new members to the Surulere Toastmasters family.

2. Change of Guard Ceremony: Ushering in new executives to lead the club into its next chapter.

3. 15th Year Anniversary: Commemorating a decade and a half of growth, learning, and achievement.

Delivering a keynote address, the 8th President of the Club, Dawn Ntekim-Rex, shared a personal anecdote about his early days in Toastmasters.

“‘The first time I heard those words, as a 9-year-old, I thought, “Is this where they learn to toast girls?”, he recalled, adding:

“I couldn’t imagine why anyone would want to become a master at toasting anything, let alone people.’

Dawn went on to describe how he discovered the true essence of effective communication and leadership within the Toastmasters community.

He also emphasised the importance of inclusivity and family-friendliness, which have been hallmarks of Surulere Toastmasters since its inception.

Dignitaries in attendance

The event was graced by several dignitaries including:

Kayode Yussuf, Distinguished Toastmasters (DTM) (District 130 Director);

Chukwudi-Madu, DTM (Finance Manager District 130), Toastmaster (TM)

Ayotola Olanrewaju (Division D Director); TM Ayodeji Jaiyeola (Area 12 Director); TM Francis Ehiabhi (Area 19 Director, Division F); Stella Odunwa, DTM; Ntekim Rex DTM, Past presidents, other Club leaders, club members and esteemed guests.

“We are immensely proud to have celebrated this significant milestone and are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve our community,” said Chika Maduka, President of Surulere Toastmasters Club.

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“Our club has been a catalyst for personal and professional growth, and we eagerly anticipate many more years of empowering individuals to become confident communicators and leaders”.

Throughout the year, many Toastmasters and individuals from different walks of life have worked as a team to help the club achieve growth, success, and continued existence.

Founded in 2008 and formally chartered in 2010, Surulere Toastmasters Club is part of a worldwide network of clubs committed to helping individuals develop into proficient public speakers and leaders.

Toastmasters International, founded by Ralph Smedley in Santa Barbara, California, USA, has been positively impacting lives for a hundred years.

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The Eagle reports that Surulere Toastmasters Club has been instrumental to positive mentoring of both members and non members, and could be contacted through

– Kofoworola Jagun at 08117460600,

-Chika Maduka at 07062130969, or

-social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) @ Surulere Toastmasters Club.