Saturday, 3rd of July, 2021 was no regular day for members of Rotary International, District 9110, Nigeria as they assembled at D’Podium International Event Centre in Ogba, Lagos to install the 41st District Governor.
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. We are represented through various Rotary districts across the globe. District 9110 is one of such districts, covering all Rotary clubs in Lagos and Ogun states.
The Rotary annual calendar runs from July 1 to June 30 after which a District Governor-elect will assume office as the District Governor at the district level, while the Club President-elect will also assume office as the Club President at the club level.
Rotarian Remi Bello, FCA, a seasoned Accountant- Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria who is a member of Rotary Club of Ikeja South assumed office as the District Governor on July 1 and as customary to the club, Rotarians and guests had gathered to officially install him on this day.
Standing by him was his wife, Adenike Bello and one of his children, his daughter in-law and two grandchildren. Co-anchoring the event alongside Polio Ambassador Kate Henshaw, was the District Secretary, Ehi Braimah, a member of Rotary Club of Lagos.
The euphoria in the hall heightened as the DG and his spouse danced into the hall. The high point of the event was when the DG was decorated with the collarette by the Immediate Past District Governor, Bola Oyebade alongside the Doyen of District Governors- Past District Governor Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi.
“Rotary has come to bridge that gap in our human existence by taking action where necessary. We Rotarians pride ourselves as people doing good in the world. We use our four Ts of Treasure, Talent, Time and Thinking in doing the work of Rotary without counting the cost. I am proud to say we have a living and contemporary evidence of our good work in Nigeria and indeed Africa", DG Bello said while addressing Rotarians and guests present.
The newly installed District Governor, in his address, noted that “we have a lot to do in our communities and society that we all know cannot be left to the government alone, so there is that urgent need to provide support and bridge the gap.
“Rotary has come to bridge that gap in our human existence by taking action where necessary, although this important step is taken for granted in some other places. We Rotarians pride ourselves as people doing good in the world”, DG Bello said.
Speaking further, he said “We use our four Ts of Treasure, Talent, Time and Thinking in doing the work of Rotary without counting the cost. I am proud to say we have a living and contemporary evidence of our good work in Nigeria and indeed Africa.
Eradication of poliomyelitis is just one of the good things Rotary and Rotarians/Rotaractors are doing in our world. Rotary has also been actively involved in the drive to bring Covid-19 to an end through our advocacy”, he said.
The DG underscored the focus of Rotary to include championing the cause of peace and world understanding as well as conflict prevention and resolution, supporting basic education and literacy, providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene as well as attending to maternal and child health issues.
“We also promote economic and community development, support the environment and several other life changing activities. Rotary’s imprint can be seen everywhere in the world”, he added.
He noted that Rotary’s tradition of doing good and the need to have people of goodwill join the train in this noble mission is what led to putting together such an installation event as it serves as an opportunity to provide information on Rotary’s vision for those who may not have heard much about the good work of Rotary.
Speaking on his plans for the year, he said “This Rotary year, our projects include providing a conducive environment for learning for our children in their public primary schools.
“We also intend to initiate District Economic Empowerment Programme (DEEP) that will be perpetual in nature. DEEP will provide avenue for parents to earn income in sponsoring their children to school”, he said while calling on support for The Rotary Foundation (TRF) which is the heartbeat of the good work Rotary is doing across the globe.
The Chairman of the occasion, Asiwaju Solomon Kayode Onafowakan (OON) in his speech appealed to the conscience of well meaning Nigerians to emulate Rotary’s humanitarian principles saying, “If Rotary has brought us joy and beauty of life, then Rotary has brought us what we can cherish."
Dignitaries that graced the event include High Chief (Mrs) Olufunmike Akande, Iyalaje-Iyalode of Ibadan Land; HRM Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland; HRM Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, the Elegushi of Ikateland ably represented by Prince Olanrewaju Bakare, among others.
Past District Governors, Club Presidents, Rotarians were also present with their families and friends.
Entertainment was not left out as the Rotarians and guests were treated to amazing live performances (dance and music) with the Akin Suga Band at the centre of it all, serenading the hall with their beautiful voices while Comedian Kofi livened up the hall with his rib cracking jokes.
