Chairman of the Odu’a Investment Company Ltd, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, has urged members of Rotary Club to participate in politics for better societal influence and impact.
Ashiru made the call at the Investiture Ceremony of the 40th President of Rotary Club of Ikoyi, Mr Emmanuel Efuntayo, which took place at Victoria Island, Lagos, saying that members of the club were in a privileged position to seek all avenues and explore ways to impact the people better.
The ceremony was graced by prominent personalities, including Hajia Kafayat Oyetola, wife of Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola.
According to the Odu’a Investment Company Ltd boss, who was the guest speaker, to address socio-economic challenges facing the people, the club must seek more innovative ways of transforming lives in the various communities, pointing out that Rotary Club was critical for the transformation of the society by refocusing the people on their collective humanity and moral responsibilities.
The guest speaker, who was former commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Ogun State, urged the club to use its membership influence to get things done and get good leaders into governance for a better society.
“Rotary is a powerful way of impacting communities and should continue to broaden impact within communities its members live or work.
“To do this, it will have to navigate the phase of politics and ideological discourse while maintaining its neutrality.
“You can be neutral, but at the same time, you cannot say you don’t want to be involved in politics in Nigeria.
“You must be involved. You may not need to become member of a political party, but you should be seen to be contributing and talking.
“Rotary Club membership in Nigeria spreads across the country and formed the bedrock of dedicated and distinguished professionals as well as businessmen and women.
“While Rotary Club maintains its general position of neutrality in matters of politics, it is imperative now, more than ever, that the good will and dedication of its members be harnessed to support governance at the local, state and federal levels,” Ashiru stated.
The guest speaker, while noting that Rotary was formed to uplift humanity, observed that the club’s impact cut across healthcare, clean water supply, sanitation, youth development, literacy, education, poverty reduction initiatives, community development, among others, urging Rotatarians to deploy more of their interests towards improving public service and increasing advocacy for change in the country.
This was just as he commended the club for also impacting members by providing them with opportunities, leadership development, and building healthy relationships.
“I believe it should continue to evolve ways of engaging politicians and those in the public service until the socio-economic challenges are addressed.
“I would like to challenge you to focus on the impact you can have by influencing the governing class to do the right things for the people in various constituencies.
“As an organisation with so many notable members with access to the corridor of power, you can play a more emphatic role in helping to shape and refocus political discourse event without being political,” he said.
The newly inaugurated President, Efuntayo, in his speech, said that the theme of the programme: “See the Magic Cooperation,” encapsulated the power of collective efforts, noting that through dedication, compassion, and actions, some positive changes that go beyond “our immediate community, impacting lives globally” can be made.
The newly inaugurated president assured of his commitment to accomplishing several goals during his tenure, promising to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive club where every member would feel valued and empowered.
Efuntayo also said that his tenure would promote leadership development, reach the unreached, donate to Rotary Foundation, and actively participate in district and global activities.
He further assured of carrying out impactful projects, enhancing public image of the club, and putting smiles on the faces of the people during his tenure.
“These goals are ambitious, achievable, and reflect our shared vision of service above self. As Rotarians and non-Rotarians, we should be people of action.
“I, therefore, call upon each and everyone of us to lend our collective efforts, talents and resources. Together, we can make our world a better place where opportunities thrive,” Efuntayo said.
Also speaking, the immediate past president, Mrs Funsho Gbogboade, commended past leaders of the club and members for their support, declaring that the club was “able to impact lives earnestly in all areas.”
Ashiru and AIG Durosinmi Olatoye were among those decorated as “Distinguished Rotarians” at the programme, while Caroline Hutchings, formerly Caroline Danjuma, an actress and a producer, was also unveiled as the 2024 Rotary Polio Ambassador.
and then