About Us
Discover the Story Behind LCI
Founded by Prof. Gabriel Jimoh Afolabi Ojo, LCI encourages exemplary character and societal consciousness through educational initiatives and community outreach. Our motto, 'Towards a Better Society', embodies our commitment.
Inspired by the socio-economic disparities observed during a trip to Ireland in 1953, Prof. Ojo initiated LCI, officially launching it with 14 members in 1990 in Ile-Ife.
Over the years, LCI has engaged with diverse communities, including the underprivileged, women, and influential local figures, championing causes that resonate deeply within society.
The Beginning
When Professor Gabriel Jimoh Afolabi Ojo traveled from Nigeria to Ireland in October 1953 for his university education, he was struck by the vast difference in development between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. This observation inspired him to dedicate his efforts to creating a better society.
Prof. Ojo had a distinguished academic career at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he retired in 1985. He was the inaugural Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria and was honored with the national award, the Order of the Niger (OON). A prominent figure in the Catholic Church, he also received the papal honor of the Knight of St. Gregory (KSG).
The vision of building a better society never left him. In 1989, he brought together the first group of people who shared his vision for a happier world, and together, they founded The Leaven Club International. The club's first official meeting and inauguration took place in Ile-Ife on April 23, 1990, with 14 members in attendance.
Significant efforts were made to establish chapters of the club throughout Nigeria and internationally. The Nigerian chapters were formed in cities including Akure, Ado-Ekiti, Ondo, Ibadan, Abuja, Ilorin, and Lagos. While the Ile-Ife chapter, inaugurated in 1990, has remained active, other units have faced challenges and have not had the same longevity due to economic downturns in Nigeria, the advanced age of some members, and the passing of others.
Leaven Club Lectures
Our Early Lectures and Publications
The Leaven Club’s journey began with a series of national lectures delivered by prominent Nigerian figures. The inaugural lecture, "National Strategies for Promoting a Better Society in Nigeria," was given by His Grace, Anthony Olubunmi Okogie on August 19, 1999, at the Institute of International Affairs in Lagos. Okogie expressed his strong desire to see a better Nigeria, stating, “I am keenly interested in seeing a better Nigeria in the immediate future. This is why I have consented to deliver this lecture, as a result of which I have shared with you my personal thoughts and views on how the country can be made better and greater.” This lecture, along with others, was published in our book, National Strategies for Promoting a Better Society.
Building on this success, a second lecture, "Economic Rights for a Better Society in Nigeria," was delivered in 2000 by Chief Omowale Kuye, who was a Federal Permanent Secretary at the time. This lecture was also compiled with other distinguished talks into a 195-page book titled, Protection and Promotion of Human Rights for a Better Society.
The third lecture, "Women and Gender Equality for a Better Society in Nigeria," was delivered by Prof. Grace Alele-Williams OFR, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin and one of the club's six founding trustees. The 298-page publication that followed featured contributions from other notable personalities, including Dame Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Mrs. Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, and Mrs. Bisi Olateru Olagbegi, along with 13 other contributors.
Our Practical Impact
Driven by the founder's vision, the Leaven Club has always associated with reputable individuals dedicated to improving society. Beyond lectures and publications, the Ile-Ife Unit has made a practical commitment to supporting the less privileged. As a university town with a strong intellectual community, the unit has been particularly successful in its appeals to address the challenges faced by the underprivileged in society.
Our Annual Lectures
Thus, starting from the 1990’s the Ile-Ife unit has held annual lectures, most of it published as booklets:
| S/N | YEAR | ANNIVERSARY THEME | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1993 | Operation Rehabilitate the Handicapped | Not published |
| 2 | 1994 | Hope for Motherless Babies | Not published |
| 3 | 1995 | Operation Care for the Elderly | Not published |
| 4 | 1996 | Concern for Prisoners | Not published |
| 5 | 1997 | Concern for widows | Published |
| 6 | 1998 | Concern for indigent students | Not published |
| 7 | 1999 | Concern for the environment | Published |
| 8 | 2000 | Alleviating poverty in our society | Published |
| 9 | 2001 | Concern for human trafficking | Not published |
| 10 | 2002 | Concern for gender equality | Published |
| 11 | 2003 | Concern for war victims | Not published |
| 12 | 2004 | Concern for examination malpractices | Not published |
| 13 | 2005 | Concern for good governance | Published |
| 14 | 2006 | Concern for pandemics | Not published |
| 15 | 2007 | Concern for Okada riders | Published |
| 16 | 2008 | Concern for environmental sanitation | Not published |
| 17 | 2009 | Concern for pensioners and retirees | Published |
| 18 | 2010 | Concern for minorities | Not published |
| 19 | 2011 | Concern for youth unemployment | Published |
| 20 | 2012 | Concern for security | Published |
| 21 | 2013 | Concern for the Elderly | |
| 22 | 2014 | Concern for nomadism and security in Nigeria | |
| 23 | 2015 | Concern for kidnapping and abduction in Nigeria | |
| 24 | 2016 | Concern for food and nutrition security in Nigeria | |
| 25 | 2017 | Concern for financial crimes in Nigeria | |
| 26 | 2018 | Concern for Political Promises in Nigeria | |
| 27 | 2019 | Concern for Electoral Process and National Stability in Nigeria |
Coupled with the publications, the Ife Unit has devoted considerable attention through raising awareness and direct donations within its limited resources, to caring for the handicapped, the disabled, the elderly, ex-prisoners and widows in and around Ile-Ife. They have visited and provided clothes to the St. Mary’s Rehabilitation Centre, Ipetumodu; sanitary and assorted materials to the Ile-Ife Prisoners, and some number of medical materials to the Neo-natal Wards of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex and the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital, both in Ile-Ife, for infants whose parents cannot afford their emergency medical needs, and more.
Sad, but understandable is the demise of the many units we took off with. This is due to old age and passing of the founding members and the economic downturn in Nigeria. We arrived at a point when the whole society became under privileged due to the activities of a few and we have had to address governance issues. LCI is alive and kicking though the economic and security situation in our country have created serious challenges.
Core Values
Guided by our commitment to impact, our core values reflect our dedication to excellence, integrity, and inclusivity.
Integrity
We uphold the highest standards of honesty and transparency in all our dealings, ensuring trust within our community and stakeholders.
Compassion
Driven by empathy, we strive to support those in need, nurturing a culture of kindness and understanding in society.
Excellence
We pursue excellence in our programs and initiatives, consistently aiming for impactful solutions that foster a better society.
Join Our Cause Today
Become part of a movement dedicated to social improvement and contribute to creating a better society for all.