Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR has applauded the Rotary club's unwavering and enduring mission of fostering world understanding and peace.
Chief Obasanjo made the applause during a seminar organized by Rotary International District 9110 at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, February 23 in commemoration of 2024 World Peace and Understanding Day and Rotary’s 119 years of existence.
The seminar which was organized in collaboration with one of the Rotary clubs in the district- Rotary Club of Lagos with the theme: “Nigeria and World Peace” had in attendance district leaders, stake holders, government officials, as well as Rotarians from across the various over 140 Rotary clubs in the district.
The Former President who was Chairman of the occasion while giving his keynote speech virtually commended the non-profit organization saying, "For over a century, Rotary International has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, promoting goodwill and collaboration. Rotary's commitment to world understanding and peace stems from its believe in the power of dialogue, cooperation, love, and service above self.
"Through its various programmes, partnerships and collaboration, Rotary has worked tirelessly to bridge cultural divides, connect communities, promote education, and eradicate diseases all with the ultimate goal of building a more peaceful and prosperous world, he said adding that one of Rotary's most notable contributions to world understanding is the organization's exchange programme which allows individuals from different countries and cultures to live and work together, fostering mutual respect and appreciation for diversity, equity and inclusion.
"These exchanges not only promote cultural diversity but also serve as platforms for building lasting friendships and networks that transcend national boundaries", he stressed.
Speaking further, he said, "Rotary's emphasis on education plays a crucial role in promoting peace and stability by providing scholarships, vocational trainings and educational services to underserved communities around the world. Rotary empowers individuals to break the circle of poverty and conflict paving the way for a more equitable and peaceful society.
"In addition to its humanitarian efforts, Rotary is also committed to finding the root causes of conflict and violence through initiative focus on conflict resolution, peacemaking and peacebuilding and the promotion of human rights. Rotary seeks to address systemic issues that fuel instability and discord, laying the ground work for sustainable peace and development", he said, adding that "the several peace centres in different parts of the world have helped to build human capacity and resources that have been engaged in peace building and conflict prevention initiatives in local communities.
"As we commemorate Rotary's anniversary, let us reaffirm our commitment to Rotary's global mission of world understanding and global peace. In a world marked by division and uncertainty, Rotary's message of unity, compassion and cooperation is more relevant today than ever. By working together, we can overcome the challenges that divide us and build a future where peace, security, prosperity, stability and predictability prevail, he urged Rotarians all over the world.
The District Governor, Rotary International, District 9110, Rtn. Ifeyinwa Ejezie in her opening remarks stated that the day marks Rotary's 119 years of touching lives across various communities with highly impactful projects which include fostering of peace. "There is no better time to stress the topic of world peace than now. The world is going through a whole lot of troubles and torment, in our country, Nigeria and across the globe. For us as Rotarians and in line with our seven areas of focus, peace and conflict prevention is something we take on as a project in our various clubs", she said.
"We have embarked on this since the beginning of the Rotary year, and we are still doing various projects that touch lives in the area of peace and understanding", She further said adding this month of February in the Rotary calendar is noted for peace building and conflict prevention, and all the Rotary clubs have embarked on so many seminars to mark this month in the Rotary calendar.
Participants were also engaged in a panel discussion session Panel discussion session with HE (Princess) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, representative of Hon. Abike Davies-Erewa, OON, Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Dr. Abiola Adimula, Associate Professor and Fellow, Center for Peace and Security Studies, University of Ilorin, Nigeria as discussants and Mr. Johnson Babalola, Managing Partner, Topmarke Attorneys, Toronto, Canada as the moderator.
Appreciation award presented to Chief Obasanjo was received on his behalf by the District Governor-elect, Rotary International, District 9111, Rtn. Dr. Wole Kukoyi
After the seminar, a cutting of cake session to celebrate Rotary’s 119 years of existence was carried out in the home of the President, Rotary Club of Lagos, Maj. Gen. Abiodun Role (Rtd).