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Tag: ROTARY

  • Group, Rotary promote school sport competition

    Group, Rotary promote school sport competition

    The Rotary Club of Minimah Estate District 9112, in collaboration with Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, has taken humanitarian work to Military Primary School Ikeja Army Cantonment.

    They sponsored the school’s Year 2025 inter house sports competition held at the cantonment.

    Speaking at the event, the President of the Club, Gen. Anthony Onibasa (retd), said the gesture was part of the club’s humanitarian work and a corporate social responsibility for TGI Group.

    Gen. Onibasa (retd) buttressed the importance of sports in helping to boost coordination, academic dexterity, good health and vitality.

    “Traditionally, Rotary has seven areas of focus: one of them is basic education and literacy. We also adopt a community where we demonstrate Rotary values. This school is one of the communities we have adopted for Rotary work.

    “For good health and vitality, sport is a key factor. So, we decided to sponsor their inter-house sports. And in their words, this is the best inter-house sports they ever had. And we are going to do more for the community,” he noted.

    He advised the pupils to be eager to learn, noting that knowledge is power. “If you calm down to learn, you’d become a better citizen and be useful to yourself and society.”

    Aside sponsoring the event, the club also donated a new First Aid Box to the school, prizes and trophies for the winning houses and participants.

    T Head, Corporate Communication of TGI Group noted that supporting the event was part of their way of staying close to the communities.

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    “More importantly, supporting the next generation is a passion we are proud of.

    Children deserve spaces and opportunities where they can grow, compete, and feel confident. We’re glad to play our part and we’ll keep backing programmes that help young people build strength, discipline, and hope,” it read.

    The immediate past president, Rotary Club of Gbagada, Mr. Niyi Adekunle, said: “Children learn more from example. When you have young lives around you, the best way to teach them is to portray a good example. What we did here today was to show a good example that they can emulate growing up; showing love. Clearly they know how to grow and we are very sure they will grow well.”

    The Club Adviser for Rotary Club of Minimah Estate, Adefowoke Williamson, said Rotary is keen on helping the government impact lives positively. She also advised the school to key into today’s digital world.

    The school’s Head Teacher, Mrs. Adelaja Adebola, lauded the initiative, while urging the pupils to thrive to build good legacy.

  • Rotary District 9111 to honour Adelusi- Adeluyi

    Rotary District 9111 to honour Adelusi- Adeluyi

    Rotary International District 9111 plans to honour the former Health Minister/Doyen of Past District Governors(PAGs), Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, at the 85th birthday of  him with a Dinner and Dance.

     In a statement, Rotary said the event themed, ‘’The Royal Gala’’, is billed for Saturday, November 29, this year at MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

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    According to the District Governor, Rotary International District 9111, Prince Henry Akinyele, the event, which would also be attended by Rotary International President-Elect, Yinka Babalola and The Rotary Foundation Trustee, Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, would also witness the launch of The Rotary Foundation Named Gift Endowment in his honour.

     Akinyele added: “This dinner is more than a social gathering; it is an opportunity to make a difference.

  • 64 artisans receive N15m tools from Rotary

    64 artisans receive N15m tools from Rotary

    Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro in Lagos State has given N15 million tools to 64 semi-skilled residents.

    The event:  “Community Economic Development (Empowerment) Programme”, took place at St. Gregory’s Girls Primary School, Ikoyi, and aligned with Rotary International’s mission of promoting economic growth, social resilience, and inclusive development.

    The beneficiaries included tailors, barbers, stylists, bakers, shoemakers, and welders.

    The event attracted notable guests, including District Governor-Elect, Layi Abidoye; District Rotaract Representative, Atitebi Abiodun; and past DRR, Adekeye Fathia, with several district leaders and club members.

    Past President of the club, Gbolahan Adeyinka, said: “This initiative is one of Rotary’s key areas of focus.

    “We couldn’t execute it last year due to time, but we’re glad to have scaled it up now to reach more people.”

    President, Alex Chukwu, said they chose to mark the month with practical empowerment rather than lectures.

    “We decided to invest in people. By giving them tools, we’re reducing poverty, taking idle hands off the streets, and creating a ripple effect in the community,” he said.

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    Chukwu added that the club encouraged beneficiaries interested in professional growth to join Rotaract Club that is being chartered.

    Abidoye praised the club for its commitment to service.

    “Ikoyi Metro has been a shining example in Rotary. Their projects are audacious and life-transforming, and this empowerment drive proves once again why they’re the pride of our district,” he said.

    For over 22 years, the club has sustained a legacy of impactful service, from correctional centre empowerment to scholarships and a N100 million hospital renovation.

  • Rotary marks Interact Week with summit

    Rotary marks Interact Week with summit

    By Tokunbo Ogunsami

    Rotary Club of Omole-Golden, in collaboration with Rotary Club Omole-Golden Impact and RC Ikeja Golden Impact, has hosted a leadership summit at Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre, Magodo, to mark World Interact Week.

    The summit served as grand finale of a week-long line-up of impactful activities involving Interact clubs of Ajuwon Senior High School and Oke-Ira Senior Grammar School.

    The event, presided over by President of Rotary Club of Omole-Golden, Adekunmilola Adio-Moses, began with an opening remark that set the tone for the discussions and activities that followed.

    The first speaker, Juliana Odekhian, youth service vice chair, captivated participants with her session on “The Seven Habits of Successful Teens.” She emphasised importance of collaboration, mutual success and finding common ground in every endeavour.

    Boluwatiwi Ayo-Opaleke gave a thought-provoking presentation: “Eyes on the Future: Building Skills and Mindset to Thrive in Tomorrow’s World.”

    She encouraged participants to become self-aware, be hungry to learn, embrace resilience and see failure as stepping stones in an evolving world.

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    A major highlight was the Spelling Bee, where pupils showcased linguistic prowess.

    Odejinmi Omotolani from Oke-Ira Senior Grammar School came second runner-up, while Amoo Taiwo and Abdullahi Mistura from Ajuwon Senior High School clinched the first runner-up and winner positions.

    There was a Talent Hunt, in which Ajuwon Senior High won, followed by Oke-Ira Senior Grammar School in second place and Ajuwon Senior High School again in third.

    Having participated in activities during the week that aligned with Rotary’s Areas of Focus, the summit reinforced Rotary’s commitment to Basic Education and Literacy.

    It provided a dynamic platform to empower and inspire Interactors, nurturing them to become the future leaders and change-makers their communities need.

    The event ended on a high note with the presentation of awards, vibrant dancing, loads of laughter and lots of joyful photos—a perfect conclusion to a truly impactful week of Interactors living out the Rotary spirit of Service above Self.

  • Rotary boosts education with 120 learning materials to school pupils

    Rotary boosts education with 120 learning materials to school pupils

    Rotary Club of Minimah Estate in District 9112 has donated back-to-school educational materials to 120 pupils of Military Primary School in Ikeja, Lagos.

    District Governor, Lanre Adedoyin, said basic education and literacy are part of seven areas of focus for Rotary International.

    “We place high premium on education. We train people to be educated,” he noted

    Adedoyin noted that the materials would equip the pupils with the tools and expertise to improve their knowledge.

    “Knowledge is power and light. An educated mind is enlightened. That’s why we donated these materials to them. Today, we contribute to enable our children have basic tools.

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    “I am also happy Rotary club has adopted the block of classroom as its project. I found out the school needs work to bring it back to shape,” he said.

    Adedoyin urged the pupils to use the materials wisely and not sell them.

    “Of 105 beneficiaries to collect these materials, we provided for 120,” he added.

    President of the club, Anthony Onibasa, said the club would sponsor the school’s inter house sport.

    “We are fulfilling one of the seven focus areas of Rotary; basic equipment and literacy.

    “IThis school has 105 pupils and we have given them basic school materials; notebooks, pencils, erasers and to make them understand they are loved and cared for.

    “This club will renovate this school so they can learn in a conducive environment,” Onibasa stated.

    Headteacher, Mrs Adelaja Adebola, said: “On behalf of the school, I thank Rotary for its humanitarian gesture. I urge my pupils to know education is the only legacy we could request from them.”

  • Club’s 29th president promises continuity, more welfare service

    Club’s 29th president promises continuity, more welfare service

    Rotary Club of Victoria Garden City has installed Olalekan Fawumi as 29th President.

    The investiture, in Lagos, drew dignitaries, community leaders and members of the Rotary family nationwide.

    Fawumi succeeds Oluwayemisi Adeniji.

    The ceremony also had past presidents, family and friends in attendance.

    Highlight of the investiture was installation of board members and induction of Rotarians.

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    Fawumi thanked members for their confidence in his leadership and pledged to build on achievements of his predecessors.

    “Standing before you as incoming president fills me with deep gratitude, humility and a sense of responsibility,” he said.

    Fawumi lauded the club’s past decade of community service, including clean water and sanitation initiatives in Sangotedo and Langbasa, provision of artificial limbs to over 1,000 beneficiaries in partnership with clubs in Ghana and India, and maternal health support for hospitals in Epe.

    “These are not just milestones; they are stories of compassion turned into action,” he said.

    Delivering the keynote address, Director General of the US-African Trade Commission,  Rotarian Thadeus Olowookere emphasised that beyond humanitarian service, Rotary provides a global network for collaboration, fostering business and developmental opportunities that can propel national and international growth.

    “While Rotary is about humanitarian service, it also serves as a platform for leaders to collaborate and explore business opportunities that can drive national and global development,” he said.

    District 9112 Governor, Lanre Adedoyin represented by Lekan Fadairo reminded members that Rotary’s essence lies in service driven by purpose and passion rather than power or position. 

    Adedoyin noted that each leadership transition offers an opportunity to renew the club’s dedication to making a difference in society.

    In her valedictory remarks, outgoing president Rotarian Oluwayemisi Adeniji expressed confidence in her successor’s ability to lead effectively.

    She urged the new administration to align its programs with Rotary International’s seven areas of focus which include promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting maternal and child health, enhancing education, growing local economies and protecting the environment.

  • Club, Fed Govt initate moves to promote community peace

    Club, Fed Govt initate moves to promote community peace

    Rotary Action Group for Peace (RAGFP) has said it is partnering the Presidency, through Office of National Security Adviser to promote peace nationwide.

    It said it will implement the National Community Violence Reduction Programme (NCVRP) — an initiative to reduce violence and strengthen peacebuilding efforts.

    RAGFP is the civil society arm of Rotary International, which promotes behaviour, structures and institutions that uphold and strengthen peacebuilding, peacemaking and peacekeeping.

    Speaking at a briefing in Lagos, District Governor of Rotary District 9112, Lanre  Adedoyin, noted that peace is key to human development, stressing that no society can progress in absence of peace.

    “Peace begins with a smile. Rotary places a high premium on peacebuilding, with global peace centres,  including one in Uganda, and one in India. Wherever we are, we give peace a chance because peace is foundation of man’s activity.

    “All over the world, we preach peace. We have embarked on peace initiatives and peace projects. For us, peace is important to growth and development of nations,” he said.

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    He said Rotary has funded training of police officers, Customs officials, and public servants to strengthen their capacity for conflict prevention and resolution.

    RAGFP’s Lagos State Coordinator, Adebukunola Soile-Balogun, said peacebuilding and conflict prevention are Rotary focus areas, advancing understanding and goodwill through engagements and implementation of peace initiatives.

    She said the group coordinates Rotary’s efforts for advancement of peace.

    She pledged that RAGFP’ will work with the state and Presidency to promote peace .

    According to her, the branch has carried out peace interventions; a Peace Walk in Isheri North, signing of a peace accord in communities, and opening of Isheri Community Peace and Security Council.

    She added that the group has organised youth training seminars with agencies such as the NDLEA, EFCC, and ICPC, and plans vocational training for inmates at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

  • Rotary expands $5m maternal, child health project

    Rotary expands $5m maternal, child health project

    Rotary Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to improving maternal and child health through the Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria programme.

    Chair of Rotary Foundation, Holger Knaack, described the programme as one of its most impactful initiatives in Africa.

    He spoke after a session with Rotary action group for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health (Rotary-RMCH) regarding the “Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria” programmes of scale in Abuja.

    Knaack, accompanied by his wife, Suzanne, lauded the progress recorded with the programme, which has reduced maternal and child deaths in communities.

    “What we are seeing is the result of more than 25 years of work and collaboration among Rotarians, Rotary Foundation, volunteers, and government health officials,” he said.

    “Together, we have achieved a reduction in maternal and child mortality. That is the true impact of partnership,” he said.

    He explained that Rotary’s approach is to focus on large-scale, measurable projects.

    “Our goal is always impact. It’s not just about doing good, but about doing the right thing and being able to measure it. Bigger projects have greater, measurable results,” he said.

    The project, he noted, is a $2 million initiative that has more support and collaboration.

    “Through partnerships with other countries, such as Germany, we have raised about $2.8 million, bringing the investment to nearly $5 million.

    “We are also proud that the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation has pledged another $5 million in the next few years to sustain this success,” he said.

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    Trustee of Rotary Foundation, Ijeoma Okoro, described it as a milestone for Nigeria, being the second Programme of Scale approved by Rotary Foundation globally.

    “I’m happy it came to Nigeria, and that we hit the ground running. We’re already recording success in maternal and child care,” she said.

    “Most importantly, it has attracted a scaling partner, which will help us expand beyond the initial four pilot locations.

    “The next phase has been mapped out, and we’ll extend to other states,” Okoro added.

    National Coordinator/Country Director of the programme, Prof. Adedolapo Lufadeju, in his presentation, said the Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria programme of Scale (PoS) is an initiative through which Rotarians show their commitment to improving maternal and infant health by providing mothers and newborns with targeted healthcare.

    He said the programme has helped in “improving the systemic access to life-saving services which will impact not just mothers but also the wider community by reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in Nigeria, hence the theme.”

    “The overall objective of the programme is to scale down maternal and neonatal mortality by 25 per cent,” he added.

    He said the programme began in four locations in November, 2022, listing them as FCT (Abuja Municipal Area Council), Nasarawa (Akwanga and Lafia councils), Gombe (Gombe and Yamaltu Deba councils), and Ekiti State (Ado-Ekiti and Ijero council), totalling 49 facilities.

    “Owing to success recorded, as at July, the programme has expanded to 103 facilities in four locations,” he said.

  • Rotary gets new club, inaugurates President

    Rotary gets new club, inaugurates President

    ROTARY International District 9111 has chartered Rotary Club of lkeja Cosmopolitan as its newest baby. 

    It also installed Rotarian Daniella-Joy Solomon as its pioneer president as well as 28 other members.

    At the event in Rotary Centre, lkeja GRA, Lagos, an elated District 9111 Governor, Prince Henry Akinyele, while presenting the charter certificate and inaugurating  Rotarian Solomon, noted the importance of the ceremony, saying that the charter of a club is very significance to Rotary as it marks the birth of a baby and expansion of the district. It is historical, he declared.

    He charged the members to be alive to their responsibilities, adding that they were on the verge of making history with the growth and development of the club. “Be involved in your club activities. Make it one of the foremost in the district,” he further said.

    Congratulating the newly sworn in Board members on the club’s charter, Akinyele urged them to imbibe team spirit and assist their leader in moving the club forward. “Let’s do what is good and develop the club and play by the rules,” he said.

    Specifically, he thanked the Chairman, District Membership Committee, Past Distruct Governor Bola Oyebade; Past Assistant Governor (AG) Benedict Okhumale; the club’s Adviser;  AG Adeleke Yusuf; AG Adetayo Hassan, president-elect, Olusogo Ogundare; the club’s Rotary Foundation Chairman, Rotarian Rasaq Salau and its Learning Facilitator, Oluyinka Adeogun, for a good job.

    Akinyele told guests that Rotary membership could be interesting as its programmes and projects as well as fellowships involved travelling and making friends.

    Rot. Solomon, a sales expert, thanked Rotary for the honour to serve. She unfolded projects worth N15.25 million that she would execute during her one year tenure, which covered the seven focal areas of Rotary international. 

    These include the provision of a N6million borehole with treatment plant  at Agidingbi Technical School, donation of N2million maternal and children items to two health centres in Ikeja as well as the provision of N2million micro credit to indigent market women and men.

    In his presentation, the guest speaker, Dr. Adeyinka Adewusi, charged Rotarians on commitment, resilience and sincerity of purpose.

    Adewusi, who is the Director, Alternative Credit and Assets Limited (ACAL), submitted that Rotary would make more impact on lives through relationships and that this would only come through the sacrifice of members’ time, energy and finance. 

    He advised them to tailor their projects toward their environments to cut costs.

    At the event were the special guest of honour, Dr Oluwasegun Musa; DG-Elect, Bukola Bakare, PDG Omotunde Lawson;  club’s Vice President, Temidayo Adewuyi and Secretary, Omolola Sorinolu, among others.

  • Rotary gives rain coats, booths to health board

    Rotary gives rain coats, booths to health board

    Rotary District 9112 has donated 100 rain coats and 200 boots to Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board to strengthen the global “End Polio Now” campaign and protect health workers.

    The event took place at the Office of the Permanent Secretary in Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board (LSPHCB), Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

    In a statement, Rotary International District 9112 Public Image Committee member, Victor Ojelabi, said the gesture was aimed at supporting vaccination teams working in difficult terrains in the state.

    Past District Governor, Yomi Adewunmi, who represented Chairman of Nigeria National Polio Plus Committee, Past District Governor  Joshua Hassan, emphasised the group’s determination to curtail spread of polio virus in Lagos.

    Adewunmi said: “We are honoured to make this donation worth about N1.6 million.

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    “We are grateful to Lagos State for its consistent support in ensuring success of polio eradication efforts.”

    District 9112 Governor Lanre Adedoyin, reaffirmed Rotary’s dedication to eradicating polio in Nigeria and globally.

    “Our commitment to ending polio is absolute.

    “We will continue working with Lagos State and our partners until polio is wiped off the earth. Today’s donation strengthens our shared vision of a polio-free nation and a polio-free world,” he added.

    Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, lauded Rotary’s continued collaboration with the state.

    “This aligns with what we are doing to eradicate polio.

    “Rotary has always stood out in the fight against this disease, and these items will assist our teams in the wet season when movement is more challenging.”