Posted on Oct 08, 2017
The Rotary Club of Longbridge (Provisional) in Rotary District 9110 has welcomed the District Governor, Rotary International District 9110, Nigeria, Rotarian Dr. Wale Ogubadejo to its maiden fellowship held on October 5, 2017.
 
The Governor, who was accompanied on the visit by the District Secretary, Rotarian Segun Adewakun and some other district leaders was received by Rotarian Henry Akinyele, the District Governor Special Representative (DGSR) for the club and some of the prospective members of the club.
 
Rotarian Akinyele, while acknowledging the presence of the Governor, disclosed that the idea of establishing the club which currently has about 27 prospective members, was initiated due to the lack of a Rotary club in Arepo, the neighbourhood where the club venue is located.
 
He also disclosed that the club, which is being sponsored by Rotary Club of Maryland, successfully participated in the “Rotary Family Health Days” exercise, held recently by Rotary Clubs in District 9110.
 
Rotarian Akinyele explained that the club only carried out the exercise for one day out of the three days that was scheduled for the exercise by the District. The reason for making it a one-day exercise was to make it less stressful for the prospective club members, since that was their first experience.
 
According to Rotarian Akinyele, during the one-day exercise, the club was able to register over 150 children and also a large number of adults. The Oba of Arepo was also present at the venue of the exercise, after which the club paid him a courtesy visit.
 
In his address to the prospective members of Rotary Club of Longbridge (Provisional), DG Ogunbadejo explained to them that “Rotarians are adults with a known source of livelihood, integrity, and a reputable character, both in their vocation and in their neighborhood and they must also have the heart to give. To be a Rotarian, you must have leadership qualities and service.”
 
According to the District Governor, “whatever community a club finds itself, that club is meant to serve the community and beyond. Our core values include diversity. Rotary is not a one tribe or one religion affair.”
 
According to the District Governor, “whatever community a club finds itself, that club is meant to serve the community and beyond. Our core values include diversity. Rotary is not a one tribe or one religion affair.”
 
He advised the club to make their club meetings as short and as interesting as possible. “You should spend 30 minutes for fellowship and one hour for meetings.”
The DG also advised that “as the first club in this area, we hope that in years to come, you will give birth to other clubs. So, be ready to serve. The future of Rotary in this area is resting on the palms of all of you. You must all come together to choose your leaders.
 
“Your charter (first) president and leaders are very important. So, there should be no sentiments in choosing them. I have high hope in this club and I hope all of you will live up to my expectation.”
 
Rotarian George Ikpekhia, the president of Rotary Club of Maryland, who was also present with some of his club members, encouraged the prospective members not to allow the zeal with which they have started to die.
 
“As the DG has rightly stated, you are ambassadors of Rotary in this community. Let that show in your conduct. This is what we have been doing and you are coming to join us. Rotary Club of Maryland will always be there to support you whenever you need a shoulder to lean on”, Rotarian Ikpekhia said.