Rotary Ibadan installs sixth president to enhance global network

In line with one of its slogans, it profits him who serves most. the Rotary club of Ibadan Jericho Metro installed its sixth president, to further support a worthy cause of service to humanity and enhance its synergy in devoting time, treasure and talents to serve others. YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE reports that the installation is a rededication to service above self to the betterment of the environment.

The recent installation of Rotarian Adekunle Are, was not just an installation ceremony but an avenue to encourage people to join the team of development partners in selfless service to humanity through the different ways available; adopt and sponsor any project listed by the club, give funds for execution, signify project being funded, donate to Rotary Foundation, get involved in polio awareness campaign, volunteer to join in the immunization process or join the team of worldwide volunteers serving humanity and doing good in the world.

Rotary,  a highly structured international organization with its headquarters in Evanston, USA, is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers in over 35,000 clubs across the globe who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad which started with the vision of  a man known as Paul Harris, an attorney.

Speaking at the installation of Rotarian Are, Assistant Governor of the club, Omotunde Lawson, stated that many are of the erroneous opinion that the club is an organization for the rich and elitists and a secret organization or cult, adding that only people that move closer gets a clear picture and a change in perception.

Rotary is a group of professionals with diverse backgrounds that exchange ideas, form meaningful and lifelong friendships to collectively give back to their communities. And the club at present has members in almost every country with a population of 1.2 million, a figure that is said not to have increased in 10 years.

“Since I joined Rotary in 2007, population of Rotarians all over the world has remained 1.2 million and you may begin to wonder why? The reason is because those who joined for personal benefits later discovered it is not the right organization and quitted while those who are truly ‘Rotarians’ in words and deeds joined. Therefore as some are exiting, others are joining. Rotary is very organized and highly accountable.

“Its values are service, fellowship, diversity, integrity and leadership. You should therefore wonder less why those who left did so; their own motto is ‘self above service’,” Lawson said.

He commended governments that had in one way or the other supported the club’s vision, noting in particular, the Ogun state government who two months ago was able to provide free medical treatment to over 400 persons in partnership with Rotary International 3020 India and Rotary International 3610 South Korea.  The medical treatment had a team of seven India medical doctors that came to Nigeria to treat patients suffering from hernia, glaucoma, breast biopsy, cataract, myoma, uterine prolapse, ovarian cyst, dental restoration, gastric bypass, caesarean section and other illnesses.

Rotarian Are after his installation reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the desire of the Rotary Club of Ibadan Jericho Metro to collaborate and partner with well meaning organizations and individuals to achieve their goals for 2017-2018 Rotary year becomes a reality, adding that Rotary international theme for 2017-2018 is ‘Rotary: Making a Difference.’

He added that it is his vision to ensure that the shared responsibility of taking action on the world’s most persistent issues; peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water, sanitation and hygiene, maternal and child health (Save mothers and children), basic education and literacy as well as economic and community development is followed religiously.

Rotarian Are thanked members and people that had partnered with the club over the years, calling for more efforts to ensure the vision of the Rotary club is achieved and the community is made a better place for all.

He enjoined everyone to be more concerned about doing good for the benefit of all and protect the coming generation as it is a collective effort that could better the community and make the world a better place.

“You and I can be involved and support a just cause by way of funding some of the humanitarian projects that the club intends to undertake in the year as well as contribute to the Rotary Foundation’s endowment fund for doing good in the world.” He said.

For the Rotary Club, installing its sixth president is the beginning a long months of humanitarian service.