Newly installed President of the Rotary Club of Wuse Central, Rtn. Folashade Samuel, has pledged to intensify the club’s humanitarian work through innovation, strategic partnerships, and community-focused service.
Speaking at her investiture ceremony on Saturday in Abuja—an event that also marked the club’s 25th anniversary—Samuel outlined plans to collaborate more closely with government agencies, development partners, and grassroots organizations to enhance the club’s impact in health, education, and economic empowerment.
As the club’s first female president, she embraced Rotary International’s 2025–2026 theme, Unite for Good, describing it as a call for collective action to achieve sustainable development goals.
The silver jubilee and investiture ceremony drew key stakeholders, including Rotarians, policymakers, health professionals, and development advocates.
“Unite for Good is more than a theme, it’s a call to align our hearts, minds, and hands to serve humanity. There’s no limit to the good we can achieve when we come together with shared purpose.”
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She also reaffirmed her commitment to uphold Rotary’s ethical principles, urging members to apply the Four-Way Test in every aspect of their personal, professional, and civic engagements.
“Whether in governance, policy-making, education, or human interaction, the Four-Way Test challenges us to always ask: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” she said.
While expressing her gratitude to her members and friends of the Club, she vowed to build on the legacy of her predecessors and strengthen the club’s reputation for impactful service
“To be part of this profound global network of service is a privilege I do not take lightly,” she noted.
The outgoing President Rtn. Tomola Emaleku described the transition as a historic one, not only for the gender milestone it represents but for the continuity of purpose it ensures.
“Today is more than a celebration; it is a moment of renewal. I believe our new president will lead with passion and integrity,” he said.
Other speakers at the event highlighted the importance of Rotary’s role in bridging critical service gaps, especially in healthcare.
Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah, COO of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, urged the club to extend its impact beyond polio eradication and address emerging public health challenges.
“Rotary should broaden its focus to diseases that continue to affect our communities. Partnerships with grassroots organizations are crucial at this time of declining health funding,” he said, adding that every donation, regardless of size, contributes meaningfully.
Dr. Oritseweyimi Ogbe, Secretary of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC), echoed the same sentiment, saying Rotary must now concentrate on integrated health campaigns, vaccine awareness, and trust-building at the grassroots.
“Rotary’s success in the fight against polio shows what coordinated action can achieve. We need to replicate this across other areas of primary healthcare,” she said.
Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs at the FCTA, linked the Rotary agenda to national policy, noting that ‘Unite for Good’ aligns closely with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Rotary is a movement that brings international goals to life through local action. Let us lead with purpose, boldness, and authenticity, especially as women,” she noted.
She encouraged female leaders to bring their full selves to service and influence, “Be the best woman you can be, not just in name, but in action, heart, and impact,” she said.