Dear fellow Rotarians,
Happy November!
As we begin this new month, we're reminded of Rotary's enduring spirit of service and compassion. November is a time to reflect on our accomplishments, renew our commitment to 'Service Above Self' and re-energize our efforts to make a difference
This month, we proudly celebrate Rotary Foundation Month!
For over 100 years, The Rotary Foundation has been the heart of Rotary's philanthropic efforts. Through annual giving, Rotary Foundation grants have supported polio eradication efforts, provided clean water and sanitation, promoted peace and conflict resolution, fostered education and literacy and improved maternal and child health
Our Foundation's impact is felt globally: over $4 billion in grants awarded, more than 3.5 million people benefiting from Rotary projects annually and, of course, Polio cases reduced by 99% since 1988
As we celebrate Rotary Foundation month, let's:
1. Support the Annual Fund: contribute to the Share program.
2. Grow Endowment Funds: secure Rotary's future.
3. Apply for Global Grants: bring projects to life.
4. Become a Paul Harris Fellow: recognize dedication.
As we embrace the opportunities November brings, together, we'll make a lasting impact.
Membership
I am happy to inform of our steady growth in membership to 2,348.
I must start to appeal to our irresistible presidents to ensure energetic engagement of the members to prevent the ugly pattern of delisting members prior to the calculation of the semi-annual RI dues.
The District Membership Committee continues to engage the leadership of the Clubs and District in a bid to ensure sustained vertical and horizontal membership growth
Rotary Foundation
The RI exchange rate for this month is$=₦1,644.
This has had a negative effect on RF contribution which stood at $75,813.90 on 31st October 2024.
The breakdown is as follows:
Annual Program Fund: $64,443.53
Polio:$ 9,370.37
Endowment:$ 2,000
The top giving Clubs are as follows:
1. Rotary Club of Ota:$15,508.84 n
2. Rotary Club of Omole-Golden:$11,794.92
3. Rotary Club of Gowon Estate: $7,705.40
4. Rotary Club of Maryland:$4,699,76
5. Rotary Club of Ikeja:$4,113.91
I continue to appeal to all of us not to be discouraged or our spirit dampened. Rather we should look at the larger picture of giving to humanity not minding the cost, and also prioritising our spending.
I pray that God will bless and prosper our earnings to be able to increase our giving.
Club Visits
Altogether, 32 Clubs have been visited as at the end of October 2024.
This month will witness a significant increase in the number of official visits to our Clubs.
I have noticed a renewed enthusiasm by irresistible presidents to work towards achieving their set goals.
I appreciate all the Clubs that have hosted the DG’s visits and thank them for thwarm receptions and gifts to the DG, spouse and Core Team members.
Sickle Cell Disease Building Project
With the casting of the slab behind us, we expect a rapid progress on the construction work.
The project funding got a big boost with the inauguration of the Fund Raising Committee ably chaired by Past President Bamidele Onalaja and the Committee has already begun work.
I must thank our respected elder Rotarian Chief Oshunkeye who is facilitating the supply of cement bags needed to complete the project.
I also appreciate the Clubs and individual Rotarians who have contributed to this worthy cause.
PAG Alimi and his team of dedicated Rotarian professionals have been doing a lot to ensure quality of the construction going on.
District Peace Study Programme at Olabisi Onababjo University
At the end of the call for application for candidates for the first set of students for the 3-month course on Peace Building, Conflict prevention and Security, 78 entries were received, including two from outside Nigeria. Out of this number, the first set will be chosen. It is expected that the course will be regular.
I am extremely grateful to Rot. Chief Oshunkeye once again for paying ₦2,250,000 for the first set of students. Ace Medicare Clinics Limited has also paid in advance for the second set.
World Polio Day Celebrations
The World Polio Day was celebrated robustly by our District.
Prior to the 24 October date, courtesy visits were undertaken by the DG and other leaders to a number of notable people including Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Ogun State Deputy Governor and Health Commissioner as well as ace broadcaster Chief Bisi Olatilo.
There was a joint world press conference by the DGs in 9111 and 9112
The Lagos axis walk took place on 26 October amidst music, dancing and public enlightenment.
The District Governor joined his colleagues at the national walk and dinner in Port Harcourt.
The walk in the Abeokuta axis of the District will be exciting and spectacular as Past President Obasanjo has personally volunteered to lead the exercise.
DEWEF
There has been a great improvement in the contributions to the DEWEF.
This has been largely due to the energetic effort of the Chairman of the DEWEF Fund-raising Committee, Charter President Chief Francis Oputa, ably supported by DDS Francis Ogugua and other members of the Committee. It is worthy of note that CP Opute donates a large sum of money to support each Club he visits to enlighten its members.
Rotary Friendship Exchange
The visit of RFE team to District 1145 UK took place successfully between 4th and 14th October.
The 11-member team was led by PDG Bola Oyebade and included Committee Chair and Irresistible Presidents Captain.
Members of the team seized the opportunity to attend the 1145 District Conference.
Calgary Rotary International Convention
The second list of screened applicants for the Canadian visa has been meticulously compiled and forwarded to the Embassy next week.
The screening was carried out in two centres in Abeokuta and Ikeja.
It is hoped that majority of the names sent to the embassy will be successful following the rigorous criteria employed for the screening.
District Conference 2025
Date 29th May - 1st June 2025
Number of registrants so far is 900 plus.
Reservation of hotel accommodation has already commenced and Rotarians are advised to book on time as spaces are limited in the official hotels;
• Green Legacy
• Conference hotel
• Park Inn Hotel
Priority will be on a first come, first-served basis.
• Conference hotel
• Park Inn Hotel
Priority will be on a first come, first-served basis.
West African Project Fair
The event has successfully kicked off in Accra Ghana.
I led the advance team on 30th October 2024 while the Chairman of the WAPF Committee, PAG Gab Onyema is on ground to support the Clubs and Rotarians from our District.
It is hoped that the opportunity of the fair will be seized to secure international partners for Global grant projects.
Public Image Seminar was held on Thursday, 3rd Oct
It was a very successful and interactive event that drew a large participation of experts in the publicity and marketing industry.
Appreciation to the Public Image Committee for facilitating the seminar.
Evening with the DG
The beautiful evening of 18th October 2024 will continue to linger in our memories for the camaraderie, fun, entertainment and fellowship that participants enjoyed.
Appreciation to Past President Adeyemi, the Chair of the Committee and all his members for arranging the event within a short period of time.
Dear Rotarians, as we go into the new month, I wish everyone magical moments that will transform our District to a great organisation.
Yours in Rotary service,
Wole Kukoyi,
DG 2024-2025