DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE FOR JUNE

Dear fellow Rotarians, 

 

As I write this message today, the last official monthly communication with you, I'm filled with a whirlwind of emotions; fulfillment, accomplishment, gratitude, glory to God and a hint of nostalgia.

 

This month marks the culmination of my tenure as your District Governor and I'm honored to share this final stretch with all of you.

 

I'm humbled by the opportunity to reflect on our journey together in this pioneer year in our District 9111.

 

We have embarked on a remarkable adventure, embracing the theme "The Irresistible Magic of Rotary."

 

Time, as the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, "is a river that flows swiftly". But does time really fly? No, it doesn't; we do! We're the ones moving swiftly through life, leaving footprints of kindness, compassion, and service wherever we go.

 

I express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your tireless efforts, unwavering support, and unrelenting passion for Rotary's mission. Your commitment to service, to fellowship, and to making a difference in the world embodies the very essence of Rotary.

 

As Mahatma Gandhi so eloquently put it, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." You've found yourselves in service, and I'm honored to have been part of this journey.

 

The Rotary theme for June is Rotary Fellowships Month. This theme recognizes the importance of international fellowship and goodwill among Rotarians with similar recreational and vocational interests. This is a time to promote increased participation in fellowships and increase understanding of this program.

 

The growth in membership is reflected in the current statistics:

 

Membership as at 31 May 2025: 2417

Net membership gain: 283

 

I am greatly delighted to inform you of the submission of the application of two new Clubs: Rotary Club of Connect Ota and Rotary E Club of Ewutuntun.

 

We are still hopeful of forming more Rotary Clubs in the next few weeks before the end of the Rotary year.

 

Currently, the figures are as follows:

• APF: $ 169,122.74

• Polio: $31,564.28

• Others: $36

• Endowment: $3,000

Total giving: $211,023.02

5 Top Giving Clubs on APF

1. Omole Golden: $ 25, 671.422. Abeokuta: $ 17,001.13

3. Ota: $ 13,178.48

4. Agege: $ 11,171.51

5. Ikeja: $ 10, 977

5 Top Giving Clubs on Polio

1. Ota: $ 11,435.28

2. Omole Golden: $ 5,556.05

3. Ewu-Tuntun: $ 2,345.35

4. Maryland: $ 2,142.87

5. Ikeja South: $ 1,880.65

 

As of 28 April 2025, 70 Clubs have been visited, leaving 5 (out of which 3 are newly formed)

 

Today marks the departure of attendees from Abeokuta, the venue of the pioneer District Conference.

 

The 3-day event (29 May to 01 June) was marked by refreshing Rotary knowledge, interesting intellectual discourse, intense fellowship and networking, fun and glamour.

 

The highlights of the events included the inspiring speech by the Rotary International President’s Representative, PDG Eric Kimani, the keynote address by Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, the cerebral lectures on Integrity as a means of combating Fraud and Money laundering, and Surrogacy, Adoption and Organ donation (the blessings and curses), the induction of new Rotarians Chief Mrs. Bola Obasanjo and Dr. Chizor Malize and the exciting reflections by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR (former President of Nigeria).

 

Glory to God for the success of the Conference and the safe return of all participants to their various destinations.

 

The inbound team from D7080 composed of DGN Uche Okugo and PP Sunil Sharma arrived 28 May 2025 and took active participation in the District Conference and other interesting activities.

 

The reciprocal outbound RFE team to D7080 is ready for the visit that will take place between 15 and 19 June 2025. Interesting activities are already lined up.

 

Peace Study at Olabisi Onabanjo University

The joint graduation ceremony for the first and second cohorts took place on 23 May at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye.

It was a very colourful event presided over by the Vice Chancellor of the institution.

 

The commissioning of the project has been fixed for 28 June 2025 at Ota.The application for the Global Grant for the equipping of the centre has been approved.

 

The surgical aspect of the mission continues at the background.

The current statistics are as follows:

• Total patients screened: 2,864

• Total cataract cases diagnosed: 1,056

• Total cataract surgeries done: 850

 

Our student is doing very well and has been sending monthly reports of her activities and engagements in Germany.

We already have a slot each for a Long-term exchange for next year in Germany and Brazil.

Two Special events the DG was invited to

 

1. Commissioning of District grant-funded project of providing borehole water and solar energy to the Ikeja Cantonment by Rotary Club of Ikeja GRA

 

2. Commissioning and handing over of the Vocational Training building at Ikeja Junior High School by Rotary Club of Ikeja Coming event

 

All is set for Rotary International convention taking place at Calgary Canada, with almost three hundred

 

Rotarians and guests from our District expected to attend.

 

The Naija Vibes party and the All-Africa dinner are two unofficial events that are expected to spice the convention.

 

Looking back on this pioneer year, I'm reminded of the countless moments of magic we've created together.

 

From impactful projects to meaningful connections, we've made a difference in the lives of others and in our own communities. The irresistible magic of Rotary has been palpable, and I'm proud to have been part of this noble endeavor.

 

As the magic of this year ends, I'm excited to see the sparkles of our efforts ignite into a beacon of hope for the new Rotary year, shining brightly under the theme "Unite for Good." May the magic we've experienced together be the foundation upon which we build a brighter, more compassionate, and more united future.

 

In these final days of my tenure, I encourage us to keep spreading the spirit of service, innovating, and serving with purpose. Let's leave a legacy and set the stage for an even brighter future. As Nelson Mandela so inspiringly said, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

 

Let's continue to rise, to strive, and to serve.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your District Governor. I'm excited to see what the future holds for our District, and I have no doubt that together, we'll continue to make Rotary proud.

 

I am sincerely thankful to our Future and Past District Governors, Zonal Coordinators, Assistant and Past Assistant Governors, Chairpersons and members of various Committees and the District Staff.
 

The Irresistible Presidents, the Core Team and my wife and family have made the year outstanding for which I am extremely grateful.

As I pass the torch to the capable hands of Prince Henry Akinyele, I'm confident that our collective commitment to service will continue to inspire and uplift.

 

Let's unite for good, harnessing the power of our collective efforts to create a better world.

Together, we can achieve greatness and make a lasting impact.

 

Thank you all.

Yours in Rotary service,

 

 

01 June 2025