‘Rotary does not mismanage donations’

By Chinyere Okoroafor

Every donation to the Rotary Foundation is money well spent, Rotary International District 9110 Governor (DG), Jide Akeredolu, has said.

He spoke when the Rotary Club of Onigbongbo held its yearly dinner and awards.

The event, which held at GRA in Ikeja, Lagos, had past District Governors Wale Ogunbadejo, Olugbemiga Olowu and Kola Sodipe in attendance.

Also present were Tunde Ogunde, Dapo Ajayi and Mrs Bimbo Benson, Inner Wheel Club of Onigbongbo president.

Ajayi said the dinner was to raise funds, noting that globally, Rotary Foundation (RF) supports projects being executed by clubs.

Urging members and Rotary to donate generously, he said the more one donates, the more projects are executed.

According to him, the funds for executing its Medical Portakabin project in Ifo Local Government in Ogun State came mainly from its grant from the RF.

Akeredolu noted that the Foundation is Rotary’s engine room.

“The event is aimed at educating people about RF and recognising those who contributed to it,” he continued.

The DG called for generous donations to RF.

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“RF is an efficient way to do good. The money you give RF may end up in your locality. If you want to do good and want your money to make an impact, RF is it. It is a reputable charity organisation.

“RF is transparent and open in its expenditure on project financing.’’

Olowu, who was the guest speaker, said when one supports RF, one is supporting the welfare of 180 million Nigerians and 7.5billion people worldwide.

“What does RF do? We improve health, education and reduce poverty, among others. Rotary ensures that every village has good water, sanitation, hygiene, education and health facilities,’’ he added.

Noting that there are various levels of contributions by clubs and individuals, Olowu said: “It is the best investment you can ever make and as it yields the best interest and satisfaction you can ever get. The reason we are doing this is to do good to others.’’

Chief Uzomba Nwaije, who chaired the event, described Rotary as “a special organisation’’ akin to a church in terms of giving.