DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE FOR AUGUST

Dear irresistible Rotarians,

 

I have delight and pleasure to welcome you to August, Rotary’s membership month. It is unbelievable that a whole month has elapsed since District 9111 came into being.

 

This brevity of time is a constant reminder of the need to consciously pursue our goals, and document them, with passion and precision.

The passing month started on a high tone with the District Governor seeking the face of God and His divine presence at a church service at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral (AVMCC). This was followed immediately with brief reception at the Juli Adelusi-Adeluyi House.

 

 

This outing evidently dictated the tone for the year’s activities. The exceedingly successful event, chaired by Doyen PDG Prince Dr Juli Adelusi-Adeluyi, attracted the attendance of top echelon of government, national assembly, obaship institution, clergy and private sectors. The diplomatic community was also represented by Canadian and Indian Consular Generals. Visiting Grant Officers from the Rotary Foundation and Rotary Friendship Exchange team members from Uganda and Tanzania added colour to the ceremony.

 

Significant events that distinguished the installation ceremony included the impressive response to the launch of the Sickle Cell Centre building project, the public presentation of a book written in honour of the District Governor, and the mass induction of new members.

Appreciation goes to the Chair of the Committee, Past President Funke Salau and all Commuttee members for the gainful and memorable event.

Membership.

 

There was moderate membership growth during the month. From the inherited figure of 2139, the admission of new members has demonstrated the strong resolve of the irresistible presidents to follow and achieve our district goal. Forty one new members were inducted in an unprecedented single exercise at the District Governors installation ceremony. Eight new members each were also admitted by Rotary Clubs of Abeokuta Royale and Amuwo during the installation ceremony and DG’s visit respectively. The figure as at 01 August is 2,177 and it is hoped that many other Rotary Clubs will swell their membership profiles during August the membership month.

 

Club presidents are encouraged to report new members on the RCC immediately after induction please.

 

 

Contributions to Rotary Foundation in the first month was discouragingly low, closing at a little over $7,000. This is principally due to Rotary’s rising dollar-naira rate for Nigeria. The Clubs were encouraged to devise novel ideas and out-of-the-box initiatives to mitigate the dampening effect of the economic impasse.

 

 

This is the star project for the Rotary year. The initiative is to build and equip the centre purposely for handling the various levels of management of sickle cell disease. The project is in collaboration with Ogun State government which provided the space at State Hospital Ota.

The foundation-laying ceremony took place on 3rd July 2024 and construction is underway. Fundraising for the project was kick-started at the DG’s installation ceremony with very passionate and enthusiastic response.

 

 

This statutory and mandatory duty of the District Governor has taken him to Rotary Clubs of Ikeja, Ojodu, Maryland, Omole Golden, Ikeja South, Amuwo and Festac Town. The DG, his Spouse and Core Team members were well-received and hosted at all the events. Generally, the DG took opportunity of the visit to do friendly but objective assessment of each Club praising the areas of strength and advising on weak areas. The Rotary International Presidents theme was expounded whilst also stressing District goals and expectations. Many of the Clubs inducted new members during the visit and also commissioned many laudable projects.

 

 

The District hosted two officers-Elizabeth Ng’ang’a and Chiugo Nwagwu during the month. Their mission was to appreciate RF Major Donors and AKS in Districts 9111 and 9112, and also seek more support for the Foundation. Our District was able to organise a courtesy visit to Sir Kessington Adebutu led by our PDG Michael Olawale-Cole also an AKS member.

 

 

The District successfully hosted a team of six Rotarians from Districts 9123 and 9124 from Uganda and Tanzania from 4th to 11th July 2024 led by PDG Kenneth Mugisha. It was a well-executef programme anchored by Committee Chair PAG Ben Okhumale and all members of his team. Both visitors and hosts thoroughly enjoyed the experiences and friendliness that greeted them at various geographic locations in the District. My appreciation goes to the Rotary host families too.

 

Courtesy of the various Rotary Clubs, a lot of impactful and uplifting projects happened during the month.

These were in forms of imparting knowledge through lectures and seminars, donation of many expensive health products and services. The impact of Rotary can best be imagined by aggregating all the Clubs’ initiatives and man-hours.

 

 

This important regional Rotary event takes place this month. The 6th all-Africa Institute will be held from 23 to 28 September 2024, inclusive of the GELS/GNLS (previously GETS/GNTS). Arrangements are being made at District and national levels to ensure a nice experience for attendees including plenary sessions, tours, novelty football match, and all-Nigeria night under the able chairmanship of Rtn. Samuel Adenekan.

 

 

Robust public image initiatives were unfolded before, during and after the installation. In summary, the following were involved:8 newspapers (hard copy), 13 online newspapers, 5 radio, 2 magazines and social media handles. I had a live television interview at TVC and live pidgin English at Radio FM Station.

 

The most unique of all of them is the set of 6 electronic large billboards in strategic locations of Maryland, Third Mainland bridge by Oworonsoki, Ahmadu Bello VI, falomo Ikoyi, Herbert Macaulay Way Yaba and Ikeja GRA. Allof these are courtesy of PP Gbenga Badejo FCA, KJW,

I extend my sincere appreciation to him, and to the PI Chair PP Olalekan Otun and members of his team.

 

As we step into a new month, I charge us to continue our selfless service in magical ways that will astound our communities.

 

Wole Kukoyi,

DG 9111