Dear fellow Rotarians,
Today marks the beginning of another lap in the interestingjourney in the 2024-2025 Rotary year.
The shortness of the month of February has made the entry of this new month so surreptitious.
As we march gloriously into this month of March, I take the opportunity to thank God and all Rotarians for our modest achievements in previous months and our renewed determination to make the remaining months even better.
As we focus on WASH this month, let us remember the critical importance of access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in promoting health, dignity, and well-being. Rotary has long recognized the need for WASH initiatives, and our club has been actively involved in supporting projects that improve access to these essential services.
Throughout this month, we will be highlighting the impact of WASH initiatives and exploring ways to support these efforts in our community and beyond. We have a range of activities planned, from fundraising campaigns to community outreach programs, and I encourage you all to get involved.
Let us use this month to raise awareness about the importance of WASH, to advocate for increased access to these services, and to take action to support those in need.
The month also holds special significance for many of us as we celebrate Ramadan, a sacred time of fasting, reflection, and renewal for our Muslim friends, and Lent, a period of prayer, penance, and preparation for Easter for our Christian friends.
As we acknowledge and respect these important observances, let us also recognize the values that underlie them: compassion, forgiveness, and a commitment to serving others. These values align perfectly with Rotary's own principles of service, fellowship, and community.
As I wish our Muslim friends a blessed Ramadan, and our Christian friends a meaningful Lent, let us us come together, to learn from one another, and to deepen our connections with each other.
The month starts on a good note today with the commencement of the learning seminars for our leaders for the next Rotary year. I congratulate our District Governor Elect, Prince Henry Akinyele, fresh and energised from the Orlando International Assembly, for leading us to Unite for Good cause to prepare for a very impactful second year of the formation of our District.
I also take particular delight to welcome our District Governor Nominee Designate, Rotarian Samuel Ayetutu to the leadership echelon in the District. He will, without doubt, continue the trajectory of commited and purposeful leaership in our District. We all look forward to a formidable Troika of DG Akinyele, DGE Bakare and DGN Ayetutu from 1st of July 2025.
Allow me to reflect on the significant events that marked out February in our District.
There was no better way to commemorate the anniversary of Rotary International than talking about peace in our contemporary society. The World Peace and Understanding Conference dealt on the topic “Mending the fractures; the magic for a healed future” with a cerebral and thought-provoking lecture by Bishop Mathew Hassan Kuka. The four panelists from diverse backgrounds and professions took turns to analyse the theme and proffer solutionsc in a very brilliant exercise moderated by Rotarian John Odibo.
The occasion was also used to honour Rotarians who supported the Rotary Foundation with the symbolic $120 by 120 Rotarians for Rotary at 120 years.
Appreciation goes to PAG Raph Abanum and his team for organizing such a beautiful event.
Evening with the District Governor
Earlier in the month, we witnessed a very refreshing and beautiful Evening with the District Govenor
The occasion was used to appreciate the Committees that have completed their assignments in the Rotary year.
It was a great improvement over the previous event, and I sincerely thank the Chairman IPP Adeyemi and members of his Committee.
Rotary Foundation Dinner and Dance
Another great event that beautified the month was the Rotary Foundation Dinner and Dance put together for the triple objective to raise funds for Rotary Foundation and offer Rotarians the platform to dine and dance. We enjoyed all of these to the maximum. The event was sparkled with the presence of the Past Rotary International Vice President Yinka Babalola and many special guests of the Committee Chairman, Honourable Commissioner Rotarian Adijat Adeleye.
We had a beautiful galaxy and array of 18 Past and Future Governors from both Districts 9111 and 9112 that added colour and essence to the evening.
Seven new Major Donors and several Paul Harris Fellows were recognized and decorated that evening whilst Clubs that supported the event were celebrated.
The credit and gratitude go to IPP Adijat Adeleye for the exceptionally excellent performance.
Membership
Rising from the membership loss in December 2024, our number is gradually coming up. As of 26 February, the membership rose to 2,269, representing a net gain of 133 in the Rotary year.
Rotary Club of Amuwo Prestige joined us during the month with 25 Charter members, whilst the Rotary Club of Ikeja Golden which was erroneously terminated has been reinstated.
Rotary Foundation
Consequent upon the excellent performance of the Rotary Foundation Dinner and Dance Committee, the total contribution to The Foundation witnessed a big boost
Currently, the figures are as follow:
Total$167,232.01
Club visits
Altogether, 62 Clubs have been visited as of today.
Most of the others will have to come to the District office for the official visit.
Ongoing projects
Peace study at Olabisi Onabanjo University
There is tremendous progress with regard to the Study programme.
The first Cohort of 30 students will conclude their 3-month course on today whilst the second Cohort of 50 students commenced the lectures on 14 February,
There will be a joint graduation ceremony for the 80 students in May with the completion of the course of the second set.
Sickle Cell disease building project
Construction work has resumed after a period of inactivity.
The electrical, plumbing, aluminium and plastering works are being executed.
As already planned, furnishing and equipping will be funded through Global Grant.
District grant allocation
I am happy to inform you that cheques were issued to Clubs that met all the criteria at a brief ceremony at the District yesterday.
Appreciation to the DRFC and Grant Committee Chairs, PDG Onabadejo and Ikheloa respectively for their supervision and leadership of the process all through.
Mission for Vision
The screening that commenced on 7th January 2025 will be concluded at Ota today 27th February, ending a rigorous and energy-sapping exercise.
The provisional statistics are as follows:
These amazing figures are a result of the professional astuteness of the Chairman of the Committee and the solid support and commitment of all the members.
We also enjoyed the quality of care that could only have come from the standard of the flagship Eye Foundation Hospital,
We are most grateful and thankful to everyone, including all the volunteers from so many Rotary Clubs
Rotary Youth Exchange
Our exchange student to Germany, Ms. Joy Nwokedi, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Amuwo, has settled into her new home and is beginning to integrate into German culture, which is one of the primary objectives of the exchange program.
The Committee is working to establish an exchange agreement with another district in a different country.
It will share information with all clubs as soon as we secure the opportunity for interested clubs to apply.
DEWEF
Extension of call for application expired yesterday.
Timeline of the following activities.
Sponsorship amount: has been increased from ₦100,000 to₦150,000.
Clubs and Rotarians are to be reminded to redeem pledges towards DEWEF
Calgary Rotary International convention
Progress continues to be recorded on the arrangements.
167 visas have been issued out of the 302 official applications, with 80 rejections.
The Committee encourages resubmission of applications, and timely payment of RICon registration fees by those already with visas.
Many participants have also registered and paid for the Nigerian night.
In a bid to further strengthen our mutual relationship, the Committee received an invitation from the office of Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Carlos Rojas for a meeting to discuss further on the visa applications.
District Conference 2025
Arrangements are ongoing towards the pioneer District Conference.¹
The RI Representative will be announced soon.
Support of Clubs is sought in areas of registration and placement of goodwill messages and adverts in the commemorative brochure.
The sale of Gala night tickets will commence next month.
Rotary Friendship Exchange
The exchange team to Turkey is already populated and most of them have gone for visa interview.
The original travel date of 15 February is being rescheduled because of the late arrival of the visas.
District Intervention Committee
The Committee was inaugurated virtually last week with clear mandate to make relevant interventions in the district affairs.
Oluwole Kukoyi
District Governor