REAFFIRMING AND UPHOLDING THE CORE VALUES OF THE AVIARY CLUB
Distinguished Elders, members of the Global Council, leaders of our Chapters and Regions, Noble brothers, ladies and gentlemen.
Today, we gather not merely to celebrate an anniversary, but to honour a remarkable journey of vision, courage, brotherhood and purpose.
Thirty years of lawful existence as the Aviary Club of Nigeria is a milestone worthy of gratitude, reflection and renewed commitment.
Our story began with a small group of courageous young men who refused to remain indifferent to the moral and social challenges of their time.
While many accepted the status quo, they chose to stand together, united by shared ideals and a determination to make a positive difference.
They discovered that true brotherhood is built not on convenience, but on common values, mutual respect and collective purpose.
They believed that freedom is like a bird soaring through the heavens, unrestricted, dignified and sustained by Divine Providence.
As the Yoruba proverb reminds us, 'Ẹyẹ ò ní ṣáṣùn, ẹyẹ ń bọ́ lá' the bird owns no cooking pot, yet it is continually provided for.
That philosophy of faith, resilience and hope became one of the enduring symbols of our brotherhood.
From those humble beginnings emerged the organisation we proudly call our own.
Although initial efforts to register under an earlier name were unsuccessful, those setbacks became stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.
Wisdom prevailed, and on 19 July 1996, the Aviary Club of Nigeria was formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, providing a firm legal foundation upon which generations have continued to build.
Thirty years later, our identity remains intact.
Our methods may evolve, but our principles do not.
We continue to uphold brotherhood, integrity, mutual support, discipline and service while operating within the laws of our great nation.
Today our wings extend far beyond Nigeria. Our members are making meaningful contributions across the world.
Modern technology has transformed how we communicate, organise and preserve our legacy. These developments challenge us to remain relevant without compromising our heritage.
The Elders-in-Council therefore remains committed to responsible leadership, continuous reform and sound governance.
Through our biennial retreats, thoughtful proposals from every Chapters, Regions and the Global Council are carefully considered so that our Constitution and by-laws continue to serve both present and future generations.
We also acknowledge that every great organisation faces moments of disagreement. History has taught us valuable lessons about impatience, misunderstanding and division.
Our responsibility is not to dwell on those moments but to learn from them, strengthen our unity and ensure that future generations inherit an even stronger institution.
Brotherhood is measured not by titles or ceremonies but by genuine concern for one another.
It is seen in wise counsel, compassion during difficult times, celebration in moments of success and unwavering loyalty when challenges arise.
As Scripture reminds us, 'Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity.' (Psalm 133:1).
The American statesman Henry Ford wisely observed, 'Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success.' Those words capture the journey of the Aviary Club of Nigeria over the past three decades.
As we celebrate this historic milestone, let us reaffirm our commitment to our founding ideals.
Let us preserve our traditions, embrace necessary reforms, mentor the next generation and continue to build an organisation that commands respect through character, unity and service.
Permit me to conclude with this timeless reminder, 'A problem shared is a problem solved.' May we continue to carry one another's burdens, strengthen the bonds of our brotherhood and, with God's guidance, soar to even greater heights in the years ahead.
Happy 30th Anniversary to the Aviary Club of Nigeria. May God bless our brotherhood, bless every member and bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Elder Segun Olusakin
Chairman, Elders-in-Council
Media Team
Aviary Club of Nigeria
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