Pacesetter District Governor, Rotary International District 9110, Nigeria, Rotarian Dr Wale Ogunbadejo, has presented a charter certificate to one of the newest Rotary clubs in the District, Rotary Club of New Towns, Oko-Oba in Lagos state.
The addition of the new club that was chartered by Rotary Club of Akowonjo, to District 9110, has automatically caused an increase in the number of 1.2million Rotarians worldwide.
Those present at the certification ceremony was the president of Rotary Club of New Towns, Oko-Oba, Rotarian Samsudeen Sogbamu and other members of the club.
“Always remember that your club was the one admitted into Rotary International, not you. So you only remain Rotarians as long as your club is in good standing with Rotary International and the district. If your club is delisted either from Rotary International or from the district, all your contributions in Rotary goes. You become like someone who never participated in Rotary before.”
Also present was the President of Rotary Club of Akowonjo, Rotarian Valentine Shomoye with some members of his club.
DG Ogunbadejo, who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Funmi Ogunbadejo and some District leaders, including the District Secretary, Rotarian Segun Adewakun, congratulated the club which was admitted into Rotary International on 30th of June, 2017, the last day of the 2016/2017 Rotary year.
“To pay a visit to the history of this club and also to showcase the beauty of Rotary, your club has gone through so many district programmes”, he said, charging the club members not to let their effort go down the drain. "It’s in your hands, new Rotarians of this great club. The future, the possibilities, and the prospects of this club are all in your hands."
According to the DG, “The job is not in the hands of the charter president or board alone but all of you who are the privileged charter members, as long as you fulfill your responsibilities as Rotarians in this club. Even the charter president, if he misbehaves and does not perform his responsibilities, he loses his rights.”
The DG explained that “all Rotarians are equal. Your rights are only rights when you fulfill your responsibilities and that also includes the charter president. He can only remain respected when he fulfils his responsibilities as a Rotarian.
“Always remember that your club was the one admitted into Rotary International, not you. So you only remain Rotarians as long as your club is in good standing with Rotary International and the district. If your club is delisted either from Rotary International or from the district, all your contributions in Rotary goes. You become like someone who never participated in Rotary before.”
He further advised that "we must individually and collectively decide to maintain and push this club upwards through. Rotary is a global brand and what obtains in The United States of America, what obtains in Europe, what obtains in Asia also obtains in Nigeria and in all the 200 countries and some other areas where Rotary exists.
“I therefore wish all of you the strength and the wherewithal to remain committed to serving humanity without expecting any in return. I wish to remind you that Rotary International gave you the name so that you will be responsible, primarily, to look after the less privileged in your immediate communities and communities beyond”, the District Governor added.
“On behalf of the President of Rotary International, I present to you the charter certificate with the hope and prayers that you shall struggle to keep the charter and make this club one of the best in the District.”
After presenting the certificate to the club president, the Governor inducted all members of the club, numbering 20, one after the other, into the Rotary International family.
After presenting the certificate to the club president, the Governor inducted all members of the club, numbering 20, one after the other, into the Rotary International family.
Dr. Olufemi Olugbile, Former Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and retired Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, was present at the gathering during which he gave out some health tips on depression.
The gathering also witnessed the presence of some Past District Governors (PDGs) in the district, including PDG Kamoru Omotosho, PDG Bola Onabadejo and PDG Deinde Shoga.