Fellow Rotarians,
As we begin the month of February, I want to take a moment to reflect on our progress and look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.
First, I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for your tireless efforts in serving our communities. Your dedication to Rotary's ideals of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership is truly inspiring.
In February, we celebrate Rotary's founding on February 23, 1905. This milestone reminds us of our rich history and the incredible impact we've made globally. This unique 120th anniversary will afford us the opportunity of celebration and reflection.
• Celebratig as a testament to the organization's enduring legacy and commitment to serving humanity.
• Reflecting on the past on its rich history, accomplishments, and lessons learned.
• Looking to the Future_: The anniversary also serves as a catalyst for Rotary to look to the
future, set new goals, and continue to evolve as a dynamic and vibrant organization.
Part of the activities lined up for the special occasion include the World Peace and Understanding Conference on 23 February and the unique programme of 120 Rotarians contributing 120 USD to celebrate 120 years of Rotary which has attracted enthusiastic participants.
Another significant event this month is the Presidential Peace Conference in Turkey. Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick notes that “one of the most inspiring examples is our Rotary Peace Fellowship program, a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission to build a more peaceful and just world.
For more than 23 years, Rotary Peace Fellowships have been transforming communities. Our Rotary Peace Centers, hosted at leading universities around the globe, have educated over 1,800 fellows who now work in more than 140 countries.
These centres cultivate expertise in fields like conflict resolution, sustainable development and peacebuilding, preparing fellows to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. This
program exemplifies how Rotary turns vision into action, creating a ripple effect of hope and change.
This month during the Presidential Peace Conference, we celebrate a significant milestone with the opening of our newest peace centre in Istanbul. This centre will focus on training leaders to address peacebuilding challenges in the Middle East and North Africa, further extending Rotary’s impact.
Peace fellows are dedicated champions of transformation, addressing critical issues such as refugee resettlement, youth and women’s empowerment, and reconciliation in conflict zones. Many founded vital organisations or hold leadership roles in governments, nongovernmental organizations, and international institutions like the United Nations and World Bank.
I encourage us to attend this knowledge-impartoing conference.
Membership
Our membership is on the road to recovery having suffered the terrible effect of the massive deletion of members in December 2024.
Currently, as of 31 January 2025, the membership count stood at 2218 in 72 Clubs.
Rotary Club of Ikeja Golden that was erroneously terminated by Rotary International will be reinstated soon.
There are plans in place for the formation of new Rotary and Rotaract Clubs.
Rotary Foundation
Our total contribution to the Rotary Foundation as of 31 January 2025 was:
Total giving: Annual Fund: Polio: Endowment:
$127,517.84 represented by: $110,662.60
$14,819.24
$ 2,000
RI exchange rate for February 2025 is =N=1538 to $1
TOP 5 GIVING CLUBS IN POLIO
1. Ota:
2. Ikeja GRA: 3. Maryland: 4. Ikeja South:
$ 5,435.28 $ 1,313.76 $ 1,292.87 $ 639.20
5. Ewu-Tuntun: $ 630
TOP 5 GIVING CLUBS IN ANNUAL FUND
1. Omole Golden: 2. Ota:
3. Ikeja:
4. Gowon Estate: 5. Ewu-Tuntun:
$ 20,185.24 $ 10,629.44 $ 10,497.13 $ 8,200.70 $ 8,020.23
Club visits
So far, 55 (out of 73) Clubs have been visited officially by the District Governor.
Most of the remaining Clubs are either postponing the visit dates or have not indicated willingness to host the DG.
The District Legislative Meeting
In the history of the new District, the first legislative meeting came up on 28 January 2025. Here’s a brief summary of the significant event:
The meeting which held yesterday 28 January 2025 was attended by electors from 54 Clubs out of the District's list of 64 eligible Clubs (Please note that 8 Clubs were not eligible to vote for non-payment of District dues).
It was a significant step in the foundation-laying process in our District which was reflected in the impressive attendance and enthusiastic participation in the voting.
The result of the voting is as follows:
Resolution 1: Adoption of District Manual of Policy This was effected by 53 Yes against 28 No votes
Resolution 2: Adoption of District Governor Nomination Scoring Scheme
This was effected by 52 Yes against 24 No votes.
These resolutions having been adopted by majority of the electors will now be implemented as our guiding documents in our District's processes and procedures.
I extend my gratitude to each and every one of you for your active participation and engagement in this pioneer legislative meeting.
Your contributions have been invaluable, and I am confident that these resolutions will propel our District forward.
Thank you, and let us continue to work together in the spirit of Rotary.
District Governor Nomination.
The call for Clubs to suggest suitable candidates for the position of District Governor for the Rotary year 2027-2028 was announced on Friday 06 December 2024 with the dealine for the submission of the filled forms set at Wednesday 05 February 2025.
Sickle Cell disease building project
The first stage of the building construction up to the roofing has been completed and work is progressing on the external part.
Lafarge Cement Company has graciously donated 800 bags of cement through the facilitation of Rotarian Chief Osunkeye.
We are awaiting response from the Rotary Foundation having submitted the application for the Global Grant which will be used for the furnishings and equipment.
Peace study at Olabisi Onabanjo University
Signature project
3 months of online and in-campus study on Peace building and conflict prevention 1st set of 30 students resumed on 13 December 2024 during the official flag off
Screening of 2nd set already on, with obvious oversubscription by applicants (more than 240 applications for a slot of 40).
1st set fully sponsored by Rotarian Chief Osunkeye, Rotary Club of Ikeja
2nd set already paid for by Ace Medicare Clinics Limited, Ota
Individuals are also donating money voluntarily towards sponsorship of the students.
Rotary Youth Exchange
Our exchange student, Joy Nwokedi is spending the second month with her hosts in Germany.
The Awards and Recognition Committee
The Committee continues to assess Clubs on various activities as outlined in the guidelines already set at the beginning of the Rotary year.
The various awards and recognitions based on the first half year report will be Evening with the DG.
Coconut tree planting
The collaboration with ProvidusBank has resulted in the planting of 600 coconut trees on a six- acre piece of land graciously offered by Ado-Odo community in Ogun State.
The formal signing of the Memerandum of Understanding will be done on 7th February at tAdo- Odo by representatives of Rotary D9111, ProvidusBank and the Community.
The visit of the Rotary Foundation Trustees Chair
We had a special privilege and opportunity to host The Rotary Foundation Trustees Chair Mark and Spouse Gay Maloney. It gave us to platform to showcase our potentials and hospitality. For the two days that they spent with us, Rotarians from across the District rallied round for the Town Hall meeting and the befitting Gala event. I appreciate DG Femi Adenekan who chaired the joint Committee of Districts 9111 and 9112 that organised the wonderful hosting.
Rotary Awareness Committee
The District Awareness Committee hosted a very impactful press conference as part of its activities to promote awareness.
It also used the opportunity to assess Clubs based on the quality of awareness they created by their projects.
Membership seminar
In order to address the emergency membership situation, the Committee organised a membership seminar which shifted focus previous methods of membership development to newer and targeted strategies.
Mission for mission: 1000 cataract surgeries
This massive project in collaboration with the Eye Foundation Hospital Limited has already taken off in a big way with screening and surgeries done in three centres at Ikeja, Ota and Abeokuta. The goal of the project is to do 1000 cataract surgeries.
Many of the patients who have undergone the surgeries have been giving testimonials of their experiences, and the miracle of turning blindness to light.
The Alumni Hangout
It was a refreshing gathering for Rotary Alumni that attended the event on 30 January 2025 at the District office.
Activities at the reunion included reflections on past experiences, networking, Rotary knowledge- sharing and updating the alumni database.
Coming events
Rotary Friendship exchange
Arrangements have been concluded for the next Rotary Friendship Exchange visit to District 2440 in Turkey between 16th and 25th Febrary2025.
The team will take advantage of the visit to attend the Presidential Peace Conference which holds from 20th to 22nd February 2025.
Most of the members of the team have gone for the Turkish visa interview and are awaiting the issuance of the visas.
Calgary Rotary International.
Many Rotarians have been issued visas in preparation for the Calgary Rotary International
convention in June.
ProvidusBank is partnering D9111 to ensure a spectacular experience for Rotarians and their guests
The Committee is arranging a tasteful and tantalising Nigerian evening tagged “Glitz, White and Naija Party Vibes” for the attendees for Tuesday 24th June 2025 at 7pm local time.
The following are useful tips from the Committee Chair:for those attending:
1. Convention Fee Payment:
please make payment for your Convention Fee now! There is no reason to delay further.
Mrs Helen (0805 665 1978) at the District Office is ready to help you with the payment in NGN Naira.
2. Buy your Flight Ticket Now:
Consider travel dates of 18th or 19th June to 27th, 28th, and 29th June 2025. ( Convention is from the 21st to the 25th)
3. Book your accommodation now. Will advise you to look for apartments or hotels in areas such as the South West, North West, or North East of Calgary. All are within 20-30min drive.
4. You may also consider hiring a car once in Calgary. Just update your Nigeria driving license.
5. For affordable accommodations near the venue, consider options in Calgary's downtown area or along public transportation routes, as the city offers an efficient and free light rail system for convention attendees. Budget-friendly hotels such as Econo Lodge, Best Western Plus, and Travelodge by Wyndham could be good starting points.
6. Additionally, Calgary has a range of hostels, short-term rentals, and affordable motels available
7. I recommend booking early, as the event is expected to attract a large number of visitors.*Reserve now and pay later.They all have breakfast,wifi etc included
8. Let's fly to Calgary in the spirit of representing D9111 and Naija!
District Conference 2025
Date 29th May - 1st June 2025
Arrangements are being intensified towards hosting a very successful and exciting District Conference
House of Friendship booths are fully booked.
Letters of invitation have been sent to Chair, guests, traditional rulers and corporate organisations whilst the use of the hall for the welcome cocktail has been firmly secured by payment.
Awards and recognition update
Rotary Foundation Dinner and dance
This event takes place on 16 February 2025
It is to acknowledge and appreciate Rotarians and others who have contributed generously to doing good in the world through Rotary Foundation, and also inspire new donations.
Celebration of Rotary’s 120 years anniversary
23 February is a significant date in Rotary when its 120 years anniversary will be celebrated.
The event will feature guest lecture and panel discussion by eminent personalities from diverse backgrounds and societal positions.
120 Rotarians who have contributed $120 to celebrate the 120 years will be recognised
Evening with the District Governor 2nd rdition
The second edition of Evening with DG comes up on 07 February 2025.
The occasion will be used to present awards to Committees that have concluded their assignments for the Rotary year.
It promises to be another platform for relaxation, networking and intense fellowshipping. February 2025 will certainly be a month to remember!
Yours in Rotary service.
Wole Kukoyi, DG 2024-2025 01 February 2025