Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, speaking at the Rotary Club District 9111 convention held on Friday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, emphasized the vital importance of Nigerians embracing a culture of selflessness.
Represented at the event by his wife, Bola Obasanjo, the former leader praised the Rotary Club’s commitment to humanitarian service and urged individuals to continually reflect on how their actions benefit others.
In his address, Obasanjo highlighted the value of daily introspection, encouraging everyone to pause before going to bed and ask themselves questions such as: “What am I doing for others? How are others benefiting from me? What am I doing, like Rotary Club, to make life more comfortable for others?” He asserted that if more people adopted the principles of love, service, and mutual assistance, the world would become a significantly better place.
The convention also featured a keynote address by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by his Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele. Governor Abiodun lauded the Rotary Club for its impactful projects across the state, highlighting key initiatives such as the Rotary Prostate Cancer Center located at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu, and the Rotary Eye Center at the General Hospital in Otta, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.
Governor Abiodun stressed the urgent need for Rotarians to renew their dedication to the club’s core ideals of empowering communities and transforming lives, particularly at a time when empathy appears increasingly scarce in society. He remarked, “Rotary’s core ideals remain a necessary moral compass. These are not just lofty principles to frame on a wall or recite at meetings. They are practical tools for healing and rebuilding the fabric of our society—ideals that are noble and essential for our communities to flourish.”
He also encouraged all individuals to be more deliberate and sincere in rendering service that fosters a better world for everyone.
In recognition of leadership, Governor Abiodun praised the pioneer District 9111 District Governor (DG), Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi, and his wife, Olusola, for exemplifying the humanitarian club’s ideals of love and selfless service. He further challenged Kukoyi’s successor, Henry Akinyele, to build upon this enduring legacy of community empowerment.
Representing the President of Rotary International, Stephanie Urchick, Eric Kimani from Kenya urged club members to persist in undertaking initiatives and projects that not only improve local communities but also contribute to enhancing world peace. He emphasized the importance of innovative approaches and a strong commitment to growing membership, particularly by attracting younger generations into Rotary’s fold.
Outgoing District Governor Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi expressed sincere appreciation to club members for their unwavering support and cooperation throughout his tenure. He reiterated the importance of sustaining positive impacts within their local communities.
Bukola Bakare, the District Governor nominee and the first female president of the Rotary Club of Ikeja, GRA, Lagos State, shared her excitement at the opportunity to serve in the leadership role. Praised earlier by the past President of the Rotary Club of Ikeja, GRA, as a true humanist, Bakare expressed her readiness to continue advancing Rotary’s mission of selfless service and community empowerment.
Traditional rulers present at the event also paid tribute to the Kukoyis. The Olota of Otta, Oba Abdulkadir Obalanlege, along with Oba Olusegun Ogunye, the traditional ruler of Abigi in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, commended the couple for their dedicated humanitarian service and the joy they have brought to numerous communities during their leadership.