Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Nigerians to embrace the culture of selfless service as a transformative force in addressing the nation’s challenges and advancing socio-economic development. He made this call through his wife, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, during a landmark event in Abeokuta that celebrated the values and leadership of the Rotary Club.
The former president’s message was delivered at the official unveiling of Rotarian Bukola Bakare as District Governor Nominee for Rotary International District 9111. The event, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Ogun State, also saw the introduction of Rotarian Henry Akinyele as the incoming District Governor, succeeding Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi.
Obasanjo’s remarks underscored the urgency of national self-reflection and the critical need for individual and collective responsibility in solving Nigeria’s developmental problems. “Before you go to bed every day, take a pause and ask yourself: ‘What am I doing for others? What value am I adding to society? What am I doing, like the Rotary Club, to make life better for someone else?’” he challenged the audience.
He praised Rotary International’s longstanding tradition of humanitarian service, noting that the organisation’s impact is not just rhetorical but visibly transformative. He commended the outgoing District Governor, Dr. Kukoyi, and his wife, Rev. Olusola Kukoyi, for embodying the Rotary ideals of service above self, describing their work as “a testament to action-driven leadership.”
The unveiling of Rotarian Bukola Bakare was particularly historic, as she is set to become one of the few women to serve in such a high-ranking role within Rotary’s West African operations. Bakare, who is the first female president of Rotary Club of Ikeja GRA, expressed gratitude for her nomination, saying, “This is a significant opportunity to deepen my commitment to humanity. A lot remains to be done if we truly want to reposition Nigeria as a country that works for everyone.”
Her nomination reflects a growing trend within Rotary to diversify leadership and increase the participation of women in community development. Bakare has long been recognised for championing causes in education, maternal health, and community empowerment.
In his parting address, outgoing Governor Dr. Kukoyi thanked Rotary members for their dedication and urged them to stay focused on impact-driven projects, especially at the grassroots level where intervention is most needed.
Rotarian Eric Kimani, who represented Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick at the event, reinforced the need for innovation and youth inclusion in Rotary initiatives. He also re-echoed Rotary’s global commitment to eradicating polio, a cause to which Nigeria has been central due to past outbreaks.
The occasion not only celebrated leadership transitions but also served as a platform to highlight the role civic organisations can play in national development. From polio eradication to youth empowerment, the Rotary Club has become a silent but powerful force for progress in Nigeria.
As Nigeria continues to confront socio-economic hurdles ranging from unemployment and insecurity to poor infrastructure and weakened institutions, the former president’s appeal resonates deeply. By advocating selfless service as a lifestyle and not a slogan, Obasanjo is reinforcing the idea that real change begins with everyday citizens committed to doing good beyond personal interest.
With the upcoming tenure of new Rotary leaders like Bakare and Akinyele, expectations are high for a renewed focus on inclusive development and stronger community ties. As the Rotary torch passes on, so too does the hope for a nation where service, not self-interest, guides both governance and citizenship.