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Tag: ROTARY

  • Rotary DG unveils ₦150m plan to tackle child health, community empowerment

    Rotary DG unveils ₦150m plan to tackle child health, community empowerment

    The newly installed District Governor of Rotary District 9127, Dr. Princess Joy Okoro has unveiled a strategic ₦150m plan focused on maternal and child health, food security, and grassroots economic development.

    She said the commitment to the projects for the 2025-2026 Rotary year aligned with Rotary’s seven global focus areas.

    Okoro disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday at a press briefing during her unveiling as the district’s second District Governor and first female leader of the young Rotary District 9127, where she emphasized the urgency of practical action over rhetoric.

    She identified her immediate priorities as ending hunger, reducing maternal and child mortality, and supporting sustainable livelihoods.

    The district aims to lower maternal and child deaths by 20 percent over the next year by supporting maternal clinics with prenatal screenings, nutrition kits, and educational outreach in addition to the Rotary-funded mobile health clinics that will be deployed to underserved communities, she said.

    On polio eradication, she pledged continued advocacy, with a district-wide campaign, partnerships with leaders in high-risk zones, and a Polio Pledge Rally planned in collaboration with global health stakeholders.

    “We are 99.9% there, but the final mile demands urgency,” she said.

    She also said economic empowerment will be pursued through the establishment of microfinance hubs for women-led businesses, technical training in agribusiness and technology, and vocational education for youth.

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    These interventions, she stressed, are not aid but “investments in self-reliance.”

    Okoro reaffirmed Rotary’s commitment to transparency, pledging that project funds would be tracked and publicly reported.

    She also encouraged members to support the Rotary Foundation, citing its role in funding impactful initiatives like the training of 500 midwives last year.

    According to her, an economic grant competition will be launched to fund grassroots development proposals across the district.

    Okoro highlighted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as core values and committed to promoting gender equity and environmental sustainability across all Rotary programs.

    In her acceptance speech, Okoro pledged to support club presidents in leading vibrant, inclusive, and responsive clubs.

    “You will have unrestricted access to the district office,” she said, assuring them of full institutional backing.

    Earlier, the outgoing District Governor, Mike Ukachi Nwanoshiri, while giving his stewardship for the past Rotary year, recounted milestones achieved during his tenure.

    He confirmed the formal transfer of Rotary Centers in Abuja and Jos and reported the deployment of equipment, including sewing machines for youth empowerment projects in multiple States.

    These were procured through private partnerships, not District funds, he said.

    According to Nwanoshiri, who was the pioneer DG of the District, nine club-led community development projects across health, water, and education have been approved for immediate execution, with accountability reports due by December.

    The outgoing DG also announced ₦5.8 million had been raised for a generator at the Abuja Rotary Center, calling on the new leadership to complete its installation.

  • Rotary District 9111 inaugurates Sickle Cell Centre tomorrow

    Rotary District 9111 inaugurates Sickle Cell Centre tomorrow

    Rotary International District 9111 will at 10 am tomorrow inaugurate its Sickle Cell Disease Centre at the General Hospital, Ota, Ogun State.

    District Governor, Dr Oluwole Kukoyi, said:  “The ultra modern Sickle Cell Disease Centre is poised to cater for and revolutionise care for individuals living with sickle cell disorder in Nigeria and beyond.

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     “This Star project is a beacon of Rotary’s compassion and global reach. With the Sickle Cell Disease Centre, we have provided hope and succour for families affected by this condition.”

    Also, the District’s Fundraising Committee Chair, Bamidele Onalaja, stated that the facility was built by donations for Rotarians and equipped by Global Grant from The Rotary Foundation (TRF) and that the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, is Chief Host.

     He noted: “The facility is expected to serve as a critical healthcare hub for diagnosis, treatment, education, and support services for sickle cell patients in Ogun State and beyond.”

  • Rotary club renovates healthcare centre

    Rotary club renovates healthcare centre

    Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic in Lagos State has renovated and re-equipped Ajao Primary Healthcare Centre.

    The facility has new medical tools, beds, furniture, and essential infrastructure to improve healthcare for residents.

    The project, supported by Magic of Rotary and Kewalram Chanrai Group. will enhance quality primary healthcare in Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

    At the event, Club President, Suresh Nayak, reflected on the three-year mission to upgrade ailing health centres, a vision that began under past president, Mamta, and driven by a panel, led by Adeshola Bada.

    “Our goal was simple, revamp, redevelop, and refurbish underutilised primary health centres to make healthcare accessible and effective,” Nayak said.

    The facility is the second by the club, following handover of Okota Primary Health Centre in March 2022. Nayak credited Dr. Anne for identifying Ajao centre as a critical intervention point, and hinted at more facilities to follow.

    “We’ll rehabilitate a primary healthcare centre yearly. This community has over 10,000 residents, who will directly benefit from this upgrade…’’

     upgraded facility,” he said.

    He shared a personal moment of pride, recalling an informal visit to the facility days before the official handover. “I’m not one to brag about achievements, but seeing the smiles on the faces of community members and health workers truly felt like a milestone in my life.”

    Nayak expressed deep appreciation to corporate sponsor Kewalram Chanrai Group and other individual donors whose financial and logistical support made the project possible.

    He commended the dedication of Ajao Health Centre staff and emphasized the importance of maintaining the facility for long-term impact.

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    “This isn’t just a one-time gesture. The Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic is committed to seeing this centre thrive. We will continue to support healthcare and education where it matters most,” Nayak concluded.

    The Kewalram Chanrai Group, Group Managing Director, Siva Subramanian, pledged to expand its support and deepen its community development efforts in Isolo, describing the area as “home” after over six decades of presence there.

    He said although the group had long operated in Isolo since the 1960s, the newly commissioned project marks its first direct health intervention in the area.

    “We’ve been in Isolo for over 60 years, but this is the first time we are doing something tangible here. We have fully functional primary healthcare centres in the Northeast and Northwest, and now we’re bringing that same commitment to Isolo.” Subramanian said.

    Reaffirming the company’s commitment, Subramanian added, “We are giving you our full commitment. We will work with you to take this to the next level. Isolo is home for us.”

    Praising the Club for their commitment to public service and partnership with the local government, the Executive Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Adebayo Olasoju, described the project as a product of a “secret meeting” that has now translated into “visible impact for the community.”

    “It’s not easy at this point in time for people to bring out their money to support the government. But the first time I met with the Rotary leadership, they assured me they would deliver, and today, we are witnessing the result.” Olasoju said.

    The chairman highlighted ongoing initiatives by the council to support healthcare delivery, including a monthly “Care for the Elderly” program where residents aged 60 and above receive free medical screenings and medications for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, prostate and cervical cancer, and hepatitis.

    Olasoju appealed to the Kewalram Chanrai Group, represented at the event by its Group Managing Director, Hon. Siva Subramania, to further support the programme by sponsoring the next round of elderly care outreach.

    The chairman also pledged that the local council would ensure the adjoining roads to the facility are completed before December to ease access for patients.

    “What is important is that this facility is now here,” he said. “We must ensure it is used maximally. It has qualified medical doctors and nurses, and soon, it will run 24 hours with incubators and additional equipment coming in.”

    Calling the facility “international standard,” Olasoju urged the community to stop patronizing unlicensed caregivers and make full use of the centre.

    Those present at the commissioning included the Club’s Project Committee Chairperson, Rotarian Mamta DeBroy; Past President of the Club, Rotarian Ann Okowa; the Ajao Community Health Officer; Chairman of the Ajao Community Development Association, Mr. Lekan Ogunyemi; and the Sarki of the Hausa community in Ajao, Mallam Muhammadu Goni Kolo.

    A resident of the community, Mrs. Rashidat Lawal, expressed her appreciation, saying, “This renovation means a lot to us. Before now, the facility lacked basic equipment, but now we feel seen and cared for. I can confidently bring my children here for treatment.”

    The event marks a hopeful new chapter for residents of Ajao Estate and the larger Isolo LCDA, with expectations that the upgraded facility will significantly reduce preventable illnesses and improve quality of life in the community.

  • Rotary to hold conference in Ogun

    Rotary to hold conference in Ogun

    The ‘Irresistible Conference 2025’ for Rotary International District 9111: “The Pioneer DISCON”, holds on May 29.

    District Governor, Oluwole Kukoyi, said this at a news briefing in preparation for the event at Rotary Centre, Ladoke Akintola in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

    He said the conference, holding at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, would be attended by Rotarians and dignitaries across the globe.

    Dr. Kukoyi said Rotary District Conference is an annual event that brings together Rotarians, their families, friends and guests from a district at one location to share fellowship and fun, noting that ‘Pioneer DISCON’ is the first after the creation of District 9111 from District 9110 on July 1, 2024.

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    He said Rotary International would remain focused on its seven impactful projects: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies and protecting the environment.

    Conference Chairman, Past Area Governor (PAG), Busola Satuyi, said the event would provide Rotarians and their guests the opportunity to network and build connections.

    District Governor-elect, Prince Henry Akinyele, said the conference was designed to recharge Rotarians and refocus them on Rotary’s mission of service and peace.

  • Rotary kicks off district conference in Ogun

    Rotary kicks off district conference in Ogun

    Rotary International District 9112 has commenced its annual district conference at Presidential Boulevard in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    The four-day event, which began this week, will conclude on Saturday.

    District Governor (DG) Femi Adenekan announced this during a press briefing held in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, on Tuesday. He described the gathering as a historic moment to highlight Rotary’s collective impact in communities.

    Themed “Increasing the Impact of Rotary through a New World of Service,” the conference is expected to host several dignitaries, including Alberto Cecchini from Italy, who is representing the Rotary International President.

    Highlights of the event include an inspection of a prostate cancer project in Sagamu, a vocational centre tour, a gala night, keynote speeches, a parade, a polio awareness walk, and the DG’s valedictory address.

    The conference will also begin with courtesy visits to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, and the Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso (Karunwi III).

    Read Also: Rotary gifts N13.5m scholarships to 22 undergraduates

    Prominent speakers at the event include former Lagos State Commissioner Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, Arise TV media executive Dr. Reuben Abati, and agric-tech expert Samson Ogbole.

    Adenekan, whose tenure ends on June 10, used the opportunity offered by the press conference to showcase his achievements: planting of 2,000 coconut trees, increased drive, returning of 500 out-of-school pupils to schools in Mushin and Ajegunle, distribution of lab consumables to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), fundraiser for Rotary Foundation, among others.

    Adenekan, however, decried the devaluation of the naira, saying it affected their membership drive and donations target of over $1million as he could not raise half of the amount.

    He thanked Rotarians for their support and urged them to extend the same to his successor, Lanre Adedoyin, a lawyer. He said he would be ready to assist the district in any area his services would be needed.

    Also at the press conference were Conference Planning Committee Chair, Tony Eigbokhan, an architect; Public Image chair, Ehi Braimah, and other senior members of the district.

  • Rotary donates toilet facility to Lagos market

    Rotary donates toilet facility to Lagos market

    The Rotary Club of Omole Golden has constructed and donated a modern toilet facility valued at over N4m to the Iju Ogundimu Market community in Lagos.

    A statement by the Rotary Club on Tuesday said the four toilet facilities were to address a long-standing sanitation challenge in Iju market.

    Speaking during the commissioning of the project, President of the Club, Rotarian Babajide Ogunleye, described the initiative as a critical response to years of repeated requests from the community.

    “For the past four years, this community has always approached our club with a needs assessment and letters requesting the construction of this toilet.

    “The challenge has been the timing, they usually came in during the Rotary Year, when ideally they should have reached out as the incoming president was planning the year. This time, they came early, and although we had already outlined our commitments, we resolved to take on the project once our other obligations were completed.”

    The newly commissioned facility comprises four toilets, two for males and two for females, and was built from scratch on a strong foundation.

    Ogunleye stressed the necessity of the project, noting the health implications of poor sanitation.

    “There was nowhere for the entire community to relieve themselves; they had to go into bushes and gutters, which clearly does not support a healthy environment. “We assessed the need and concluded it was urgent and genuine,” he said.

    Ogunleye revealed that the project was funded entirely through donations by members of the Rotary Club.

    “The funds were raised by kind-hearted Rotarians who contribute weekly, some gave N5,000, others N20,000, N50,000 or N100,000. It was truly a collective effort,” he explained.

    To ensure the sustainability of the project, Ogunleye said the club would sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the community, clearly outlining maintenance responsibilities.

    “If the toilet handle or water supply gets damaged, for example, the community will be expected to fix it.

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    “The market chairman, who was present today, was so impressed that he pledged to personally ensure the facility is well maintained, MOU or no MOU.”

    He also emphasised the durability of the project.

    “This is not a cosmetic upgrade; it was built from the ground up and should last for at least 20 years,” he added.

    Ogunleye urged the community to protect the facility, saying, “You don’t have to have much to make an impact.

    “Even those who contributed just N5,000 helped make this a reality. Please take care of this facility. Nothing would make us happier than returning in a year to see it still standing and fully functional.”

    Also present at the event was Rotarian Prince Henry Akiyele, the District Governor-Elect of Rotary International, District 9111.

    He said the project was in line with Rotary’s global focus on water, sanitation, and hygiene.

    “This is one of Rotary’s core areas of focus, and incidentally, public sanitation was Rotary International’s first-ever service project, over a century ago in Chicago.

    “This toilet will greatly improve hygiene in this busy market area and promote a healthy environment,” he added.

    He further encouraged the community to sustain the project: “I appeal to the beneficiaries to ensure proper maintenance. Let this project be a reason for us to return and support the community again. I’ve also suggested that a committee be formed to oversee the facility and ensure it is put to proper use.”

    The Baba Oja (male market leader), of Iju-Ogundimu Market, Alhaji L.A Azeez, who is also the Vice-Chairman of the Community Development Committee in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the community.

    He said, “In fact, it will improve the market tremendously. It has a lot of impact on the market and the surrounding society. It aligns with the government’s goal of promoting better sanitation and a healthy environment.

    “We sincerely thank the Rotary Club and pray for their continued progress.”

    As a community leader and direct beneficiary,  Azeez also promised to ensure the facility is properly managed.

    “The most important thing is regular monitoring. We will appoint people to maintain it and form a dedicated sanitation committee, as suggested,” he stated.

  • Rotary women offer free cancer screening

    Rotary women offer free cancer screening

    Women in Rotary (WIR) District 9111 will hold its yearly conference and business exhibition next Wednesday in GRA Ikeja, Lagos during which it would offer free screening for breast and cervical cancer.

    In a statement, President, WIR District 9111, Lara Akinsanya, said the screening is for Rotarians, and non-Rotarians.

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    District Governor Rotary D9111, Dr Wole Kukoyi, advised women to attend the screening. He said many cervical and breast cancer cases are shrouded in silence and stigma, leading to delays in diagnosis and early detection which reduce chances of survival.

    Chairman, District Disease Prevention and Treatment Committee, Dr Femi Oloyede, urged women to lead the discussions about cervical and breast cancer, early detection and treatment during the conference.

  • Rotary votes $30m to prevent malaria in Nigeria, three other African nations

    Rotary votes $30m to prevent malaria in Nigeria, three other African nations

    The Rotary International has budgeted $30million to prevent malaria, pneumonia and diarrhea in Nigeria and three other African countries.

    The others are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique and Zambia.

    The project, which is aims at checking under-5 mortality, is tagged the  Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge.

    The Country Lead, Past District Governor Dele Balogun made the disclosures at a High-Level Advocacy Training for Rotary Leaders, coordinated by Sydani Group in Abuja.

    Balogun said: “This programme is about strengthening systems for and increasing access to the management of malaria, pneumonia and diarrhea.

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    “The focus is on vulnerable populations and improving the quality of sustainable community health systems.

    “It is a three-year project with a budget of $30million designed for Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique and Zambia.”

    He said there will be a strong, sustained Rotary advocacy for continuing project locations support.

    Balogun said the training was a convergence of the top echelon of Rotary leadership in Nigeria, comprising current and future leaders, Rotary Regional and International officers.

    Dr. Morenike Oni facilitated hands-on exercises for equipping attendees with tools to create SMART solutions for public health challenges.

  • Rotary offers scholarship for undergraduates

    Rotary offers scholarship for undergraduates

    Rotary International District 9111 is set to offer scholarships to 20 undergraduates  in universities and polytechnics in two states.

      The event would hold on Tuesday in Ikeja GRA, Lagos. 

    The District 9111 Governor, Dr Wole Kukoyi said the gesture would help brilliant indigent students in tertiary institutions in Lagos and Ogun states, to fund their education and provide for their welfare.

    Chairman, District 9111 Educational and Welfare Endowment Fund (DEWEF), Rotarian Alàba Olalekan, said an awardee would receive N400,000 yearly for school fees, feeding and textbooks.

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    Alàba said the scholars were nominated by the over 74 clubs and a Computer-based aptitude Test (CBT) by West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on March 20 at Ogba Ikeja

    He noted that DEWEF Fund was established by District 9110 in the 1991-92 Rotary year to support education.

    DEWEF’s Board of Trustees (BoT) are Past District Governor (PDG) Somo Omoniyi, chairman; PDG Giwa-Osagie; PDG Omotunde Lawson; District Governor-elect, Henry Akinyele; District Governor-nominee, Bukola Bakare; Assistant Governor Valentine Somoye, and District Treasurer,/Past President (PP), Tayo Hassan.

  • Isolo Rotary registers 30 for UTME

    Isolo Rotary registers 30 for UTME

    • By Sophie Ochia

    In pursuit of Rotary’s commitment to supporting education and academic development of young individuals through its basic and literacy programme, Rotaract Club of Isolo, Lagos has successfully registered 30 indigent admission seekers for this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    The educational support programme was carried out in partnership with Sarobol Nig. Limited; a top waste management company in the community whose contribution was in furtherance of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

    A statement by the club’s President, Ruhamah Ifere, explained that the beneficiaries were picked across public secondary schools in the community as well as fresh school leavers.

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    She expressed delight in the club’s ability to further Rotary’s goal in supporting the educational pursuit of the future leaders as she commended Sarobol Nigeria Limited for the partnership.

    “It’s gratifying that we are able to give to the society in this manner; investing in the aspirations of future leaders. Education is one of the greatest tools to change the world and its one of Rotary’s areas of focus. When Sarobol presented us with the partnership opportunity to execute the project, we couldn’t but key into it and to the glory of God, we’ve planted smiles on the faces of these promising future leaders,” she said.

    Explaining how the beneficiaries were selected, she added that a letter was written to the Lagos State Education District 6 for nomination of 25 brilliant Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) students while the remaining five were selected randomly from the community.

    “We didn’t only purchase the forms but mobilised them to the registration centre and saw to their seamless registration. As a matter of fact, the project doesn’t stop at this. Sarobol Nig. Ltd carries out this project every year and they give out cash support to beneficiaries who have the best UTME scores and ultimately secure admission into tertiary institutions. We’ve been assured that this year won’t be an exception and my charge to the students is to make the efforts count.”