Eleven Rotarians have just been officially elevated to the Major Donor stage of The Rotary Foundation, making them the newest entrants into the elite group.
Professor Olukayode Taiwo from Rotary Club of Gbagada; Kayode Owolabi from Rotary Club of Omole Golden; Christopher Anyakaorah from Rotary Club of Victoria Garden City; Chester Apasi from Rotary Club of Omole Golden; Olukayode Ariyo from Rotary Club of Omole Golden; Henry Gbelee from Rotary Club of Ikeja; Bukola Bakare from Rotary Club of Ikeja GRA; Oluwatobi Abiola from Rotary Club of Ikoyi; and Linus Adaba Rotary Club of Agege.
The new Major Donors which include Babatunde Sowobi and his spouse, Uyi Sowobi, both members of Rotary Club of Victoria Garden City, were recognized and decorated by the District Governor, Dr. Jide Akeredolu at The Rotary Foundation Dinner and Dance which was held on Saturday, February 8, 2020 in Shell Hall, Muson Centre in Onikan, Lagos state.
It was an evening of dance and charity as Rotarians and guests trooped into the hall to celebrate the new major donors, and also the existing donors of The Rotary Foundation which is the charity arm and backbone of Rotary.
Also decorated alongside the couple include; Professor Olukayode Taiwo from Rotary Club of Gbagada; Kayode Owolabi from Rotary Club of Omole Golden; Christopher Anyakaorah from Rotary Club of Victoria Garden City; Chester Apasi from Rotary Club of Omole Golden; Olukayode Ariyo from Rotary Club of Omole Golden; Henry Gbelee from Rotary Club of Ikeja; Bukola Bakare from Rotary Club of Ikeja GRA; Oluwatobi Abiola from Rotary Club of Ikoyi; and Linus Adaba Rotary Club of Agege.
Major Donors of The Rotary Foundation are those who have donated a total sum of $10, 000 to the Foundation. It is a unit of the Foundation. Other units of the Foundation include Paul Harris Fellows which refers those who have donated a total sum of $1000 to the Foundation, Arch Klumph Society (AKS) members which refer to those who have donated a total sum of $250, 000 to the Foundation.
DG Akeredolu, while delivering his speech noted that The Rotary Foundation is one of the major Non-Governmental Organizations in the world. “We are present in almost all the countries in the world. The last time I checked, I think only three countries are left- North Korea, Iran, and Sudan”, he said.
Speaking further, the DG said, “We try to make our presence felt wherever we are, breaking boundaries and connecting people across the globe. Funds donated into The Rotary Foundation is used to execute impactful projects all around the world. Tonight, we will be celebrating those that have contributed to The Rotary Foundation, while new donors will be joining the Foundation.
“The Rotary Foundation should be the charity of choice to everyone. The beauty of The Rotary Foundation is that the more you give, the more you have control over your funds. It is the most efficient Foundation as at now on the face of the earth.
“What we do in Rotary keys into every facet of religion that you can talk about”, DG Akeredolu added, while thanking all existing major donors and the newly decorated major donors.
The Guest Speaker, Bashorun Randle, Chairman of J. K. Randle International Chartered Accountants revealed that he was once actively involved with Rotary’s humanitarian activities but drew back along the line due to lack of time.
“I did my best for Rotary but what I found out was that as I climbed up the ladder in life, time became a very scarce commodity. I am here to make amends”, Randle said, stating his decision to return to his previous state as an active Rotarian.
The night ended with the one million dollar challenge raffle draw during with Goni Zakari of Rotary Club of Amuwo and Bukola Bakare of Rotary Club of Ikeja GRA carted away mouth-watering prizes.
