Rotary International District 9111 has commissioned a newly built Peace Institute at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, reaffirming its commitment to promoting peace, conflict resolution, and sustainable community development.
The facility was commissioned on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, during a ceremony attended by Rotary leaders, government officials, academics, and members of the Rotary family.
As part of the event, certificates were presented to participants who successfully completed the three-month Rotary District 9111 Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Programme. A Four-Way Test signage, donated by the District Four-Way Test Committee, was also unveiled within the institute’s premises.
In her remarks, the Deputy Governor commended Rotary International District 9111 for its unwavering commitment to humanitarian service and impactful initiatives across Ogun State and Nigeria. She praised the district for investing in peace education, describing the institute as a valuable contribution to building a more harmonious society.
District Governor for the 2025–2026 Rotary year, Prince Henry Akinyele, described the project as a testament to the power of collaboration among Rotary, Olabisi Onabanjo University, the Ogun State Government, and the wider community.
“The project demonstrates the power of partnership between Rotary, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Government and the wider community working together. Peace is everyone’s responsibility, and together we can achieve much more,” he said.
He added that the commissioning fulfilled a promise made by Rotary to establish a lasting platform for peace education and leadership development.
Acknowledging the Immediate Past District Governor, Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi, who conceived the three-month Certificate Programme in Peace Building, Conflict Prevention and Security Studies during the 2024–2025 Rotary year, Prince Akinyele noted that the commissioning marked the realization of that vision.
“Beyond this building, we have already begun other important initiatives,” he said. “These include the Peace Summit, working closely with the academic staff of the institute, recommending the inclusion of Peace Studies in the Junior Secondary School curriculum in Ogun State, and continuing to train leaders who will promote dialogue, resolve conflicts, and strengthen peaceful communities.”
The ceremony was attended by District Governor-Elect Rtn. Bukola Bakare; Immediate Past District Governor Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi and his spouse, Rtn. Olusola Kukoyi; Past District Governor Bola Onabadejo; Past District Governor Omotunde Lawson; Chairman of the District Four-Way Test Committee, IPP Wale Adebiyi; other district leaders; Rotarians; and members of the management of Olabisi Onabanjo University.
The commissioning of the Peace Institute represents another significant milestone in Rotary District 9111’s efforts to foster peace, develop future leaders, and create sustainable solutions to conflict through education, partnership, and community engagement.