The Ogun State Government has hailed Rotary International Clubs for its continued support to humanity especially in their area of seven points agenda in the society.
The state government urged the organisation to intensify more efforts in the areas of health, education, flood and disaster management, as well as other aspects of human development to make life more meaningful to common masses.
The state government disclosed this by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Oyedele-Salako at the 2025 District 9111 Conference of Rotary International, tagged: “Irresistible DISCON 2025, held in Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
The Deputy Governor applauded Rotary’s humanitarian initiatives and encouraged them to continue to provide a platform for Rotarians from different clubs to connect, share ideas, and build relationships, stating that their innovative and collaborative projects would continue to provide solutions to community challenges that individual clubs might not be able to tackle alone.
The guests were welcomed by the Pioneer District Conference Committee chairperson, Past Area Governor (PAG), Busola Satuyi; followed by the reading of Rotary Four Way Test by Past President Funke Salau and Object of Rotary by Past President Ayodele Dada.
Speaking at the event, Olota of Ota, Oba Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege; Rtn Oba Olusegun Ogunye, Ojutumoro, Abigi Kingdom and Chief (Mrs) Bola Obasanjo expressed their appreciation for Rotary Clubs’ contributions to their communities, highlighting the clubs’ positive impact on local development, social well-being and efforts in fostering sustainable development in the society.
The traditional rulers acknowledge Rotary’s efforts to improve communities, such as renovating schools, providing healthcare, and addressing other social needs.
They highlighted the importance of working together with international organizations like Rotary to achieve sustainable development goals, expressing confidence that Rotary’s projects will have a lasting and beneficial impact on the community.
While delivering the 2024-2025 Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchick’s message, Past District Governor (PDG) of Rotary Club of Nairobi, Muthaiga North District 9212, Rtn Eric Kimani, tasked the Rotarians on membership growth.
He said Rotary Clubs always encourage members to grow personally and professionally within the organisation to foster a positive environment that naturally attracts new members. “Rotary clubs emphasised that by empowering and developing existing members, the club’s overall strength and attractiveness to new members increases.
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Rtn Kimani also said Rotary International, in its commitment to eradicate polio, will continue its efforts until the disease is completely eliminated globally. “We have been a major player in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) since 1985, working to reduce polio cases by more than 99.9%. This includes funding local laboratories to track the virus and supporting health systems in endemic areas. Rotary’s dedication to polio eradication is unwavering, evidenced by their long-standing partnership with the GPEI. Rotary was a founding member of the GPEI in 1988, demonstrating their early commitment to the cause. Our efforts, along with those of other partners, have led to a dramatic reduction in polio cases,” he explained.
He stated that Rotary will continues to work on reaching the remaining endemic areas and ensuring the safety of children, saying the group will not repent from its crucial role in funding surveillance efforts, which are vital for tracking the virus and preventing outbreaks, supporting health systems in areas where polio remains, ensuring effective vaccination and healthcare.
Rtn Kimani encourages local clubs and its members to embrace innovation in their service projects and club activities, saying this includes using technology, exploring new ideas, and finding creative ways to connect with others and make a positive impact in service delivery in the society. “This technology includes using online platforms for fundraising, volunteering, sharing information and to as well exploring innovative ways to address community needs and challenges. This might involve experimenting with new service projects, partnering with other organisations, or finding more efficient ways to deliver aid.
In his opening speech, the District 9111 Governor, Rtn Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi, thanked members for their unwavering support since he took over the mantle of the leadership. He appreciated members for their individual and collective contributions to the progress of the club, and expressed satisfaction that under his leadership, the district has recorded notable achievements in health, education, and other humanitarian interventions.