The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ROTARY

  • Rotary provides water, bags for Lagos schools

    Rotary provides water, bags for Lagos schools

    The District Governor of the Rotary International District 9110, Rotarian Patrick Ikheloa has praised the Rotary Club of Omole Golden for presenting school bags and providing access to potable water for four public schools in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State.

    Ikheloa spoke when he led other district leaders to inaugurate the water project at the African Church Primary School, Idi-Agbon area of the local government. Other schools that benefited from the water scheme were Karaole Primary School, Coker Primary School and Ayanleye

    Primary School.

    He said for the club to embark on the water project shows that it remained committed to promoting healthy environment that is conducive to teaching and learning.

    He also distributed 1,000 school bags to primary four and five pupils of the four schools on behalf of the club.

    Ikheloa also praised the club for deeming it fit to not only provide safe water for the pupils, but also in giving them befitting school bags in which to carry their books to school.

    He said more of such projects would be extended to many other schools and communities within the district before the end of the year.

    Reeling off some of the achievements of the club in recent time, the President of the Club, Rotarian Titilayo Sunmonu said the club resolved to unveil the water project and distribution of school bags to coincide with the new session which opened on September 19, even as she revealed that the gesture was to commemorate the World Humanitarian Day, which was celebrated on August 19.

    In his remark, the Education Secretary, Ifako-Ijaiye, Mr Adeyemi Jongbo expressed his satisfaction with the club’s gesture. He called on other well-meaning groups and individuals to render life-changing services to people, especially the downtrodden.

    Earlier at a breakfast fellowship, the club inducted new members, just as it honoured, among others, Rotarian Michael Oshinibosi as a Paul Harris Fellow, and a major donor in recognition of his contributions to the club.

  • Rotary provides water, bags for Lagos schools

    Rotary provides water, bags for Lagos schools

    The District Governor of the Rotary International District 9110, Rotarian Patrick Ikheloa has praised the Rotary Club of Omole Golden for presenting school bags and providing access to potable water for four public schools in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State.

    Ikheloa spoke when he led other district leaders to inaugurate the water project at the African Church Primary School, Idi-Agbon area of the local government. Other schools that benefited from the water scheme were Karaole Primary School, Coker Primary School and Ayanleye

    Primary School.

    He said for the club to embark on the water project shows that it remained committed to promoting healthy environment that is conducive to teaching and learning.

    He also distributed 1,000 school bags to primary four and five pupils of the four schools on behalf of the club.

    Ikheloa also praised the club for deeming it fit to not only provide safe water for the pupils, but also in giving them befitting school bags in which to carry their books to school.

    He said more of such projects would be extended to many other schools and communities within the district before the end of the year.

    Reeling off some of the achievements of the club in recent time, the President of the Club, Rotarian Titilayo Sunmonu said the club resolved to unveil the water project and distribution of school bags to coincide with the new session which opened on September 19, even as she revealed that the gesture was to commemorate the World Humanitarian Day, which was celebrated on August 19.

    In his remark, the Education Secretary, Ifako-Ijaiye, Mr Adeyemi Jongbo expressed his satisfaction with the club’s gesture. He called on other well-meaning groups and individuals to render life-changing services to people, especially the downtrodden.

    Earlier at a breakfast fellowship, the club inducted new members, just as it honoured, among others, Rotarian Michael Oshinibosi as a Paul Harris Fellow, and a major donor in recognition of his contributions to the club.

  • Dangote, Rotary boost kidney centre

    Dangote, Rotary boost kidney centre

    The Chairman, Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Rotary Club of Victoria Island, Lagos, have been commended for helping to revive the kidney dialysis centre at the General Hospital in Marina.

    Speaking during the presentation of air-conditioned, refrigerator and other equipment to the centre by the Rotary Club of Victoria Island, Lagos, at the weekend, the Hospital’s Medical Director, Dr Gankale Ishameal, said the upgrading of the centre and the subsequent treatment of people with kidney and related ailments would not be possible, without the prompt intervention of the two bodies.

    He said the monetary donation by Dangote and the decision of the Club to monitor the growth of the centre, is worthy of note.

    The Club’s President, Mr Adedeji Adeyinka, urged other spirited Nigerians to emulate Dangote, by contributing to the development of socio-economic activities in the country.

    He said Dangote, reputed to be African richest, has donated to projects across socio-economic and political divides, stressing that the Club is doing similar things.

    He said the Club donated the items amid celebration of the 85th birthday of its former’s President, Mrs Shade Thomas- Fahm, whose tenure, coincided with the transformation of the Centre.

    In a related development, Thomas-Fahm, said the renovation of the Centre began seven years ago, when she became the President of the Club.

    She said the Club, upon the discovery that the Centre was in a dire state, approached the immediate past governor of state, Babatunde Fashola, on the need to improve the operation of the centre.

    She said the Club had approached many individuals and companies on the issue, noting that Alhaji Dangote was one of the few Nigerians, who donated to the centre.

    “Seven years ago, the Club, under my watch, took up the responsibility of renovating the Kidney Dialysis Centre. The aim was to make the centre a world-class medical unit. Then, the centre was in a bad shape. Due to moral and financial supports from Nigerians, the centre is what it is today. The centre has become a reference point as people from have and near referred patronise it.’’

  • Rotary Gbagada inducts president

    Rotary Gbagada inducts president

    Penultimate Sunday at the Yoruba Tennis Club in Onikan, Lagos Island, members of the Rotary Club, Gbagada, installed Olanrewaju Akintilo their 33rd president. JOSEPH ESHANOKPE reports.

    THE Greetings Hall of Yoruba Tennis Club in Onikan, Lagos, was a beehive of activities two Sundays ago when members of the Rotary Club of Gbagada inducted Olanrewaju Akintilo as their 33rd president.

    Outgoing president of the club Otunba Olusola Adenuga-Taiwo was glad that he had completed his one year tenure. Presenting his scorecard, he noted that he completed at least one project in each of the six core areas of the Rotary Foundation.

    He said the club also completed a project started by his predecessor Prof Olukayode Taiwo in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and chartered a new Rotary club in Ago Iwoye. It inducted four members, contributed immensely to the Rotary Foundation and PolioPlus Fund, and supported small scale businesses with N1.5million in Ososa, Ijebu, Ogun State.

    Specifically, Adenuga-Taiwo praised Hon Isola Ogunsola for his support; adding that without him, he would not have achieved much. He gave him and some Board members of the club awards.

    After his speech, Akintilo was called to the podium. He shone in his white dress, with office insignia dangling around his neck. After his citation, at 3.50pm, Akintilo was ‘sworn-in as the 33rd president amid a song titled: ‘It’s a small world. It is a small world. It is a small, small world.’’

    At that moment, the District Governor (DG) Pat Ikheloa arrived in the hall. The MC, while welcoming the DG, said the DG came ‘’at the right time when the mantle of leadership is being passed to Akintilo’’.

    Akintilo paid tribute to his grandmother Madam Segilola Adeagbo (Iya Ibeji) for his upbringing, and more importantly, for inculcating in him the virtue of doing good. He decried the resurgence of polio virus, two years after Nigeria was cleared of the epidemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Akintilo sought  support to tackle the disease and ensure that it is eradicated.

    On his card for the year are the provision of two dialysis machines at the General Hospital, Gbagada and renovation of Ifako Primary School. So far, he has presented some materials to children suffering from clinic feet at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

    Launching a special fund to prosecute his projects and programmes, Akintilo urged his friends and family members to assist his administration. The response was impressive as there was ‘naira and dollar  rain’ thereafter.

    The President-elect Adefowoke Williams described Akintilo as a seasoned PR practitioner.  She reminded him that he was ‘taking over a winning club, noting: ‘’It is the leading club in District 9110, having won the ‘coveted best club award’ for 13 years, seven of which were back-to-back and produced three DGs since it was carted in 1984’’.

    Lagos State University (LASU) Vice Chancellor Prof Lanre Fagbohun, who was guest speaker, sought support for youth empowerment, saying that the success of a nation depended on its youths. Education, he noted, could galvanise the youth for national development. With the right education, he submitted, the youth, would be prepared for national assignments.

    Fagbohun , who spoke for about 15 minutes, praised Rotary and similar organisations for living up to their objectives and that they always look for ways to make lives better.

    dent. JOSEPH ESHANOKPE reports.

  • Rotary lifts children with foot deformity

    Rotary lifts children with foot deformity

    Rotary Clubs of Gbagada, Ikoyi and Lagos Island have donated medical items worth over N2million to the General Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos for the use of children suffering from a foot deformity called clinic foot.

    Rotary Club of Gbagada President Lanre Akintilo said members of the club were touched by the pains children suffering from the disease go through, such that they could not live normal lives.

    He added that their efforts would help to ameliorate the cost of treatment that some parents could not afford and promised to sustain the donations.

    His Lagos Island counterpart, Mrs Modupe Sasore, said she was touched by the conditions of the children and that, as a mother, felt there was a need to help them.

    Her Ikoyi Club colleague, Mr Oladele Ojogbede, said the three clubs came together because Rotary exists to help the less privileged and that this was one such situation.

    He said when children are born with bad feet, it affects their lives, adding; “I am sure when children we are helping grow up, they will be grateful to Rotary.’’

    District Governor Rotary International, Pat Ikheloa, described the efforts of the clubs as laudable.

    “If Rotary had not come, many children would have been deformed,’’ he said.

    While informing that the items were free, he urged the hospital’s management to create awareness for them with a banner mounted at the entrance of the premises to enable more benefit from their use.

    Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Senior Lecturer, Dr. Ladipo Adewole, who represented the Commissioner for Health, said the state government started a special programme for children with foot deformity in 2005.

    Four years later, he added, it upgraded it, such that more children’s feet were corrected without surgeries, adding that between 2006 and this year, no fewer than 450 feet had been corrected.

    Adewole noted that despite the successes recorded, a study at the hospital revealed that 28 per cent of parents of affected children do not follow up on the cases, a problem he attributed to lack of finance.

    He said though treatment was cheap, the accompanying braces, at N10,000 a pair, were not, which was why the hospital approached Rotary for assistance.

    Clinical Services Director of the hospital Dr Ayo Adedokan, who represented the Chief Medical Director, praised Rotary for the gesture.

    “I have heard so much about Rotary Club. This will put a smile on their faces. People with clinic foot are stigmatised in our country, especially when they are looking for employment and they go to the road to beg. At least, those who benefit from these donations will not be on the roadside,’’ he added.

     

  • Rotary inducts new president

    Memorable Gathering, an events centre in Ikeja, Lagos was a beehive of activities on Sunday when members of the Rotary Club of Gbagada South gathered to induct their 14th President, Mr Babatunde  Orighomisan Jeje.

    The event, which began at 1:22 p.m., also drew important personalities from outside Gbagada South of Rotary. They included immediate past Lagos State Commissioner of Transportation, Mr Kayode Opeifa, Olojota of Ojota, Oba Jimoh Olawale-Ole and Alaketu of Ketu, Oba Isiaka Balogun Oyero and President, First World Communities Limited, Brig-Gen Babatunde Reis (rtd).

    Gen. Reis shocked guests and Rotarians when he said the last time he attended a Rotary forum was in 1977 as an undergraduate and was pissed off by that event because there was much wining and dining.

    However, he said members of Rotary have changed his impression about them over the years when he learnt of their involvement in community activities. “Rotarians are a bunch of people committed to service,’’ he said.

    Specifically, he said: “Rotary’s Four-Way Test philosophy appeals to me. I urge Jeje, his colleagues and Nigerians to focus on it. If we can live by these, I have no doubt that Nigeria will become a better place,’’ he said. He affirmed his confidence in Jeje’s ability to perform. ‘’I knew Jeje as a small boy. Jeje is committed to serve,’’ he said.

    Opeifa, who was the guest speaker, said as a Rotarian he introduced Jeje to Rotary. He said the objective of Rotarians is to serve humanity. He praised Rotary’s programmes and projects, adding that its commitment to polio eradication is worthy emulating and “a fantastic job’’. “History will not forget you (Rotary). You must work to ensure that polio does not go beyond 2016,’’ he said. He challenged Rotarians to pay more attention to the activities of Interacts and Rotaracts.

    Immediate past President of Rotary Gbagada South, Nelson Amuwa, listed his achievements as chartering of another club, donations to Oworonshoki Health Centre and schools in the area, floating of a scholarship scheme, among others.

    He said over 12 new members joined the club during his tenure.  Under him, he added, the club won the following awards: first position in contributions to polio eradication programme, Excellent Service Award and Third in support to the District 9110. He later presented awards to some officers of the club.

    Jeje, who joined Gbagada South in 2013, said he did not know that he would be its helmsman so soon. As he got the baton of leadership from Amuwa, members sang, ‘Is a small world after all (thrice) … is  a small, small world.’’

    He promised to execute the club’s programmes worth N15 million. He canvassed for financial support to enable him to prosecute the work successfully. So far, he said, he had donated some items to Oworonsoki Health Centre, and a set of computers to the Oworonsoki School Complex, where also a block of classrooms was renovated. Our budget for the year is over N15 million. Without you, we can’t do much.

    “As we engage the youth and help our community, we need your support,’’ he pleaded.

    The District Governor Pat Ijehon Ikheloa praised the club for being productive, noting that his successor, Dr Wale Ogunbadejo was coming from Gbadaga South. He urged the members and guests to support the governor-elect, Jeje and Rotary. ‘’Please assist us with money and materials. Nothing is too small,’’ he said.

    At the event, Ikheloa admitted Oba  Oyero as a member of Rotary for his interest in the club. Also at the event were former district governor Chief ‘Yomi Adewunmi, Assistant District Governor,  Okey Mokekwe

  • Rotary donate projects to community

    Five life-changing projects, among them mosquito nets, vocational centre, power generating set, a signpost promoting communal peace and a micro-credit scheme, were handed over to the Olusanya Community in Agege, a Lagos suburb, by the District 9110 Governor of Rotary Club of Agege, Mr Patrick Ikheloa.

    The projects were executed by the club of Agege. Ikheloa, who led other district 9110 leaders, including two past district governors; Dr Dele Balogun, Chief Somo Omoniyi and the Secretary Samuel Ayetutu as well as other members of the club to the event, also inaugurated the community’s Rotary Community Corps (RCC), a Rotary projects’ ombudsman, a novel idea by the club.

    The Rotary chief praised the Agege community led by the Olu of Agege Oba Kamila Oyedeji Isiba, and other Baales under his domain for their support for Rotary Club in its determination to improve the quality of lives of the less-privileged.

    While turning the sod on the land, Okheloa singled out Bishop Julius Babatunde Olusanya for his selfless service and for giving the club a piece of land on which the vocational centre would be built.

    He described Rotary International as an assembly of business and professional people who are united in the cause of serving humanity, adding that the club would be happy if members of the community pick interest in becoming members.

    The club’s President, Gbenga Sunmonu said the Rotary Club of Agege has adopted Olusanya community, which is made up of Olusanya, Papa Ukwu, Agbajowo and Ifesowapo communities (OPAIC) for its star project for the current Rotary year.

    He said the club would donate an electricity generating set to the community to power the borehole which the club had handed over to the community in May and would be delivering a vocational centre later this year to same community in its desire to ensure that many of the unemployed youths are trained in some skills that would make them self-reliant.

    Sunmonu added that to promote peace among the Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and other nationalities who have been living in harmony in the community, the club also decided to unveil a peace and harmony signpost in the community, even as it is distributing mosquito nets in its quest to promote maternal and child health. He said three persons would benefit from the club’s micro-credit facility.

    He said each of the beneficiaries would be given N60, 000 repayable in eight months.

    Representative of the King, Chief Ishiak Dada praised the club for its commitment to the progress and development of the community. He said the vocational centre would change the face of Agege as many unemployed youths would be able to have new skills through which they could be job creators.

    Among other community leaders at the event were Bishop Olusanya, Prince Olubunmi Ogunji, Chief Musbau Adebari, Alhaji Ibrahim Olohunoyin, Abdulshuaib Hassan, Alhaji Abubakar Aliu, Adisa Adebayo, Pastor Olumide Akinpelu, Ayuba Ayodele and Lukman Olaiya.

    Others were Rotarian Agnes Olatunbi, Mrs Fawole and former Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, among others.

  • Rotary renovates school’s toilets

    Rotary Club of Onigbongbo has spent N1.5 million on the renovation of toilets, provision of water and wash-hand basins at Wright Memorial Primary School, Somolu, Lagos.

    The inauguration of the projects held recently as part of activities to welcome the District Governor, Pat Ikheloa, to the club’s area of jurisdiction.

    The club’s President, Sola Benson, said he was overwhelmed by the district governor’s visit. He said the project was started by his predecessor, Mr George Dasaolu, but completed by him as soon as he assumed office few months ago.

    He said the club embarked on the project when it discovered that the school had only one pit latrine for over 400 pupils.

    He said the initial cost for the project was N.5million, but it was done for N1.5 million due to inflation.

    Ikheloa said Rotary believes in assisting people and the school’s programme was one of their numerous contributions to Nigeria and making life better. He said the funds for the project came from Rotary and that the government had no hand in it. He urged the school’s authorities to ensure that the toilets were well-maintained.

    The school’s Assistant Headteacher, Mrs Iyabode Quadri thanked Rotary for the gesture, which she said would avert an epidemic and promote good health in the school. She promised to maintain the toilets, adding: “That will be no problem.”

    The school’s Headgirl, Adewoye Oyinkansola said: ”We thank Rotary Club. We are grateful for the new  toilets you have provided for us.”

     

  • Rotary donates projects to community

    Rotary donates projects to community

    Five life-changing projects; among them mosquito nets, vocational centre, power generating set, a signpost promoting communal peace and a micro-credit scheme, were handed over to the Olusanya Community in Agege, a Lagos suburb by the District 9110 Governor of Rotary Club of Agege, Mr Patrick Ikheloa.

    The projects were executed by the club of Agege. Ikheloa, who led other district 9110 leaders, including two past district governors; Dr Dele Balogun, Chief Somo Omoniyi and the

    Secretary Samuel Ayetutu and other members of the club to the event, also inaugurated the community’s Rotary Community Corps (RCC), a Rotary projects’ ombudsman, a novel idea by the club.

    The Rotary chief praised the Agege community led by the Olu of Agege Oba Kamila Oyedeji Isiba, and other Baales under his domain for their support for Rotary Club in its determination to improve the quality of lives of the less-privileged.

    While turning the sod on the land, Okheloa singled out Bishop Julius Babatunde Olusanya for his selfless service and for giving the club a piece of land on which the vocational centre would be built.

    He described Rotary International as an assembly of business and professional people who are united in the cause of serving humanity, adding that the club would be happy if members of the community pick interest in becoming members.

    The club’s President, Gbenga Sunmonu said the Rotary Club of Agege has adopted Olusanya community, which is made up of Olusanya, Papa Ukwu, Agbajowo and Ifesowapo communities (OPAIC) for its star project for the current Rotary year.

    He said the club would donate an electricity generating set to the community to power the borehole which the club had handed over to the community in May and would be delivering a vocational centre later this year to same community in its desire to ensure that many of the unemployed youths are trained in some skills that would make them self-reliant.

    Sunmonu added that to promote peace among the Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and other nationalities who have been living in harmony in the community, the club also decided to unveil a peace and harmony signpost in the community, even as it is distributing mosquito nets in its quest to promote maternal and child health. He said three persons would benefit from the club’s micro-credit facility.

    He said each of the beneficiaries would be given N60, 000 repayable in eight months.

    Representative of the King, Chief Ishiak Dada praised the club for its commitment to the progress and development of the community. He said the vocational centre would change the face of Agege as many unemployed youths would be able to have new skills through which they could be job creators.

    Among other community leaders at the event were Bishop Olusanya, Prince Olubunmi Ogunji, Chief Musbau Adebari, Alhaji Ibrahim Olohunoyin, Abdulshuaib Hassan, Alhaji Abubakar Aliu, Adisa Adebayo, Pastor Olumide Akinpelu, Ayuba Ayodele and Lukman Olaiya.

    Others were Rotarian Agnes Olatunbi, Mrs Fawole and former Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, among others.

  • Rotary installs first woman president

    Rotary installs first woman president

    Eminent Nigerians such as the Special Adviser to the President on Women Affairs, and former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and other top officials of Lagos State government, joined the leadership of the Rotary Club District 9110 at the installation of Rotarian Titilayo Sunmonu as the 13th President of Rotary Club of Omole Golden.

    The two-part event, which took place at Anchor Event Centre, Ikeja, was a showcase for N20 million funds to finance the club’s projects.

    Sunmonu, who said she had kicked off her activities with a cervical/breast cancer screening and vaccination for poor women in Iju-Ifako community, said about 1,000 school bags are on ground to be distributed free to pupils of public primary schools.

    She said her greatest challenge remained retaining the award of overall best club of the district, knowing that the drive to emerge the winner this year has become more rigorous.

    An Insurance broker and winner of multiple Rotary International Gold Medal Awards on Membership, the new President said she was attracted to the club by her desire to help the needy.

    Describing her elevation as a call to more hard work, she noted that she hoped to leave the stage satisfied that she has been able to impact on the lives of the vulnerable groups in the society.

    Sunmonu listed her projects in the year to include donation of an ICT laboratory to Ajuwon Senior Secondary School, in Ogun State, donation of reflective and other security gadgets to men of the Nigerian Police Force and several others. She called on well-meaning Nigerians to

    partner with the club in the actualisation of the projects.

    She thanked all who have volunteered to take up some projects, adding that the club would need more in making life meaningful for the less privileged persons.

    Chairman of the event, Mr. Ayodele Aderinwale (MFR), had earlier said the challenge to help bring development to the grassroots is more germane today than before because “we are living in a world where man is becoming increasingly selfish and greedy.”

    He said the society will be a better place to live in, if one focuses on others rather than oneself and where everyone assists one another.

    Aderinwale also said the exit of Nigeria from the global list of Wild Polio virus endemic nations would have been impossible without the contributions of Rotary International. He added that many schools have continued to benefit from water and sanitation interventions, literacy and education as well as conflict eradication and peace initiatives of the club.

    Aderinwale, who is the Chairman of Justrite Superstores Limited, described Rotarian Sunmonu as a committed, dedicated and resourceful woman with a passion to help the less privileged in the society. He congratulated Rotary Club of Omole Golden on “putting a round peg in a round hole.”

    Earlier, the immediate past President of the club, Mr. Idowu Afelogun said the club has distinguished itself in the delivery of world-class projects to its adopted communities, schools and other institutions.

    He reeled of such projects to include the rehabilitation of a block of four classrooms to Ajuwon Senior Secondary School, Ajuwon, Ogun State, reclamation of 10-year-old dumpsite in the school, presentation of a Rotary Four-Way signpost to the same school, donation of one incubator to General Hospital, Ifako-Ijaiye, donation of 300 school bags to Iju Primary School, Fagba, Lagos, polio eradication street awareness campaign and the presentation of a Kick Polio Away signboard at the Ifako-Ijaiye Primary Health Care Centre, among others.

    He urged philanthropists and other corporate organisations to partner with the club in its efforts to enhance the living condition of the downtrodden.

    Among other dignitaries present at the event were the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Chief Mrs. Lola Akande, who was represented by Mrs. Lola Fowler, former Commissioner for Education Mrs. Oladunjoye, Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa and former Chief of Staff in the state Mr. Olakunle Ojo.

    Also at the event were captains of industries such as the National President of Association of Women Insurance Brokers Mrs. Laide Osijo, the Managing Director of Sahara Group, Mr. Kola Adesina and Managing Director of Abelinis Limited Mr. Abiodun Oshinibosi, among others.