In Rotary, and all over the world, two unprecedented things are happening today. No. 1 is that in the over 100-year history of the internationally acclaimed and spread organization, a woman, in the person of Jennifer Jones, will be assuming office as the first ever female Rotary International President.
In Nigeria also, and after 42 years, another woman, Mrs. Omotunde Lawson, is taking over as the first female District Governor of District 9110 Nigeria.
Mrs. Lawson, an educator par excellence and owner of The Christhill, a leading co-educational nursery, primary and secondary schools in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Lagos West. She joined the club that prides itself as 'The Best Side' 14 years ago and after serving in various capacities, both in her club and at the District level, where she exceedingly and exceptionally distinguished herself, got nominated, after a rigorous and thorough screening, as the District Governor Nominee Designate. This was in 2020.
A year after, she became the District Governor Nominee. The following year, her designation changed to District Governor Elect. And effective today, July 1, 2022, she would be mounting the saddle as the District Governor. Not just the District Governor, but the first woman ever to occupy such an enviable position in District 9110 Nigeria.
Educated at the University of Ibadan where she read Teacher Education for her first degree and a masters in Educational Foundations, from the University of Lagos, Mrs. Lawson, 65, hails from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
A mother of three and an epitome of a quintessential Rotarian, she has promised to take the District to the next level, building on the solid foundation laid by her predecessor, Rotarian Remi Bello, FCA, as well as the other Past District Governors.
In her one-year tenure, she's specifically assured the over 4000 Rotarians she would be leading of nothing but the best.
District 9110, for the record, currently has over 140 clubs, cutting across Lagos and Ogun States. And with a membership strength of over 4000.
The theme of Mrs. Lawson's Rotary year is IMAGINE ROTARY. And like she's repeatedly told Rotarians, they should imagine accomplishing the unimaginable, the unprecedented and the uncommon.
Ayaba or Koseleri, like she's affectionately called, is very, very serious about the above. The retired Director of Education in Lagos State, in fact, means business.
Poised and well imbued to hit the ground running, all the Rotarians in District 9110 Nigeria can't but wish her well.
Distinguished Rotarians, friends and followers of Rotary, please join me as I raise a toast to a true woman of substance, an epitome of excellence and integrity, the ceiling breaker, history maker, record holder and only Koseleri of District 9110 Nigeria.
Above all, we pray that her year will bring bountiful blessings to Rotary in all the areas that matter. And even more!
Congratulations, my Imaginative District Governor and all the best.
From your Imaginative District Secretary,
AG Azuh Arinze, KSM
AG Azuh Arinze, KSM