DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE FOR JUNE 

 

I welcome you all to the month of June, the last month of this Rotary year ,dedicated to Rotary Fellowship when we gather at different places for different activities. As the saying goes that “anything that has a beginning must have an end”.

 

I look back and reflect on the achievements and accountability for the last eleven months. Let us together reflect and put things in place for the last 30 days of the Rotary year as we look forward to our two new Districts.

 

How did we fare in May?

 

As at the end of May, I am pleased to inform you that a total of 127 (One Hundred and Twenty Seven) Clubs out of the 148 Clubs were visited. I thank the Presidents and members of the various Clubs that have received me and my team. I congratulate you all on the various life-touching projects that we have done and are still doing in our communities.The 21 clubs yet to be visited have refused to co-operate with the secretariat to schedule a visit till date , the names of the clubs will be captured in the hand over notes to the respective incoming DGs.

 

The Rotary year started with 4667 on 1^st July, 2023 but keep declining due to deletion by Clubs, which was not unexpected. The addition of New Clubs (4 new Clubs formed during the cource of the year takes the Net Gain in Membership as at 31^st May, 2024 to Seven (7). This is far below our goal of 20% minimum membership growth for the Rotary year.

I like to also use this medium to announce and congratulate the Charter President and members of our latest  new club Dideolu Golden -Ogba ,admitted into Rotary on the 29^th of May .

 

 

I wish to appreciate Rotarians for your generous contributions to The Rotary Foundation in the last eleven (11) months of the Hope year. 

 

As at the end of May our total contribution to the Foundation is $497,555.95 as follows:

 

Annual Fund  -           $341,162.29

Polio Fund                 -           $81,139.86

Other Funds              -           $14,794.70

Endowment Fund     -           $60,459.10

 

 

This is a far cry from our target for the Rotary year! Let us seize the opportunity of the last 30 days to donate generously to support our Foundation.

 

 

The eleventh in the series of the planned DG Speaks for this Rotary year was held on Tuesday, 7^th May, 2024 and it was a huge success, with a good number of Rotarians in attendance and District Leaders joining to listen, interacting with the DG and asking relevant questions as it affects their Clubs. 

 

Let me thank the District Public Image Committee chaired by ARPIC/DPIC Michael Effiong for their wonderful work and commitment by ensuring that we spoke and interacted monthly as planned .

 

The twelveth in the series will hold on Wednesday, 5^th June, 2024. The Committee will provide further information on the virtual meeting.

 

Once again, let me congratulate all our Club Presidents and their members for the overwhelming publicity drive being undertaken at all levels. Our stories are all over the social media space, print media, Radio and Television stations. 

 

Please do not relent on your efforts, LET’S KEEP TELLING OUR COMPELLING STORIES AT ALL TIMES to the world . Thank you all.

 

 

As part of the process to ensure the continuous existence of the Rotaract District, on 27^th April, 2024, the District Rotaract Advisory Committee conducted the election of the District Rotaract Representative Nominee (DRRN).

 

The election was conducted for both District 9111 and 9112.

 

The process went on smoothly, fair and free of hassles. Rotaractor Awesu Halilu Senu of Rotaract Club of Ajara and Rotaractor Ismail Abiodun Atitebi of Rotaract Club of Kingfarm emerged as the District Rotaract Representative Nominee for District 9111 and 9112 respectively.

 

The Youth Summit was an initiative of the Rotary District 9110 in ensuring that the youths are considered as top priorities in our society.

 

The Summit was tagged “Creating Hope by Fighting Drug Abuse and Crime”. The Committee ably led by PAG Samuel Ayetutu, had just one task, which is delivering a symposium where youths will be engaged in subject matters related to drug abuse and fighting crime.

 

The event was held on 1^st May, 2024, at the Adebayo Bero's Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. An event which was partnered by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development saw important dignitaries in our society grace the occasion.

 

The high point of the event was the two panelist sections, where celebrity guests and law enforcement agencies addressed the topic at hand while answering all questions from the audience.

 

Some celebrities who also spoke as role models at the Summit include Segun Arinze, Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st, Yinka Davies and Adebowale Omotunde (aka Lolo)

 

The Keynote Speaker of the event in person of the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development in Lagos State, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende trilled the youths with his youthful techniques of engagement, which saw few of the participants winning some valuable gifts for their participation.

 

The Summit which held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa Secretariat brought together over 500 young people of 15-30 years bracket drawn from the Interact Clubs, Rotaract Clubs, Secondary Schools, Tertiary Institutions and community-based youth organizations.

 

The Summit was a huge success as it was highly interactive, providing participants the opportunity to express themselves through questions and comments during the panel discussion and on the red carpet.

 

My appreciation goes to PAG Sam Ayetutu and his Committee for a great job well done.

 

 

The DLS was held on 2^nd May, 2024 at the Rotary Centre and Clubs were very much represented .  It was a successful outing.

 

I wish to thank the Coordinator by PAG Uzo Ogoazi for a job well done.

 

This started with a Press Conference on Tuesday, 7^th May, 2024 at the Rotary Centre.

 

The District Conference which was held between 9^th – 12^th May, 2024 at the Green Legacy Resort, Abeokuta was the hall mark of the activities of this Rotary year. The Actualization District Confernce generated excellent comments from all and sundry. Total registration was 2,000 delegates, out of which 20 were above 70 years old. All of who attended free of registration. 6 also were Rotaractors.

 

The RI Representative in person of Past District Governor, a Past Rotary International Director and a Past Trustees of The Rotary Foundation Julia D. Phelps and Partner, Steve McKenzie from District 7930, Hudson Valley was also in attendance .

 

The Actualization District Conference took another dimension as it was kicked off with Golf  teeing off by myself , as the District Governor , 

After which we paid the usual Royal courtesy visits  to the Alake and the Paramount Ruler of Egbaland – Oba, Adedotun Gbadebo (Okukenu IV) and next to the palace of the Osile of Oke-Ona egba – Oba PDG Adedapo Tejuoso (Karunwi III).

 

The evening of Thursday, 9^th May was the Welcome Cocktail which  will remain an indelible experience. Rotarians have never had it so good according to the feedback from attendees.

 

From the call to order, the opening ceremony of the District Conference took off with  the Parade of Flags and a virtual Goodwill Message by the Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR. This was followed by the opening remarks  of the RI President’s Representative,PDG Julia Phelps expressing good wishes from the RI President Gordon Mclnally.

 

The Keynote address was given by His Lordship, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kuka,where he did justice to the topic of communal peace which is a panacea to Our National peace and the global peace in general. I also donated a sum of N1m to the Foundaion of the Bishop, which supports the education of children in the North who are being deprived of good and quality  education.

 

There was a further incite into the journey of our districting by a Panel Discussion led by my humble self  and our future District Governors, this panel was moderated by DGND Layi Abidoye .

The usual Clubs’/LOC Hospitalities at diferents days and venues during  the actualisation conference were waooo events.The End Polio Now aerobics was equally held as usual with Rotarians coming out in their numbers to participate.     The Conference Closing Gala Night was a huge difference from the “usuals’’ as attested to by the atteendees. 

 

Other key highlights of the conference was the presentation on Obesity by Dr Manish from District 3141 India. This presentation was well received by the audience as it was a key eye opener to the topic of obesity.He had earlier appeared on an OGTV program with my self for sensitisation on the topic of obesity.                        The performance by the Ogun State Cultural tropue was very enagaging as shown in the hall. The Incomimng District Governors for D9111 and D9112, Rotarians Femi Adenekan and Dr Wole Kukoyi took turns to present their programs and plans for the upcmimng rotary year to the audience. On your behalf, I will like to wish them all the very best once again.                                                                                                  

The presentations and acceptance speeches of the DG Nominees for D9111 and D9112 , Rotarians Henry Akinyele and Lanre Adedoyin respectively added the expected glamours to the conference.  This was followed by the Introduction of the DGNDs for D9111 and D9112, Rotarians Bukola Bakare and Layi Abidoye respectively.

 

To wrap up the formal part of the actualisation conference, I presented a 33-page stewardships address which got the entire hall expecting what the next page will contain. I will like to use this opportunity once again to thank you all for your support so far since the beginning of the Rotary year and to to say that we still have a whole 30 days more to make that needed difference on membership and our contribution to the Rotary Foundation. An updated stewardship address will be circulated for your attention before the end of the Rotary year .

 

I wish to appreciate and thank all Past District Governors and their spouses that were able to attend, I thank all Rotarians ,Rotaractors and Guests for their very participatory attendance .

 

Permit me to use this opportunity once again to thank PAG Chiedozie Mba led Committee for the unforgettable last District Confernce for District 9110.The LOC headed by PP Aremu made very positive contributions to the succees of the conference as their hard work equally reflected in the outcome of the conference. I thank you for your diligence , hard work and courage and I pray for God’s blessings on you all.

 

 

The inbound Team from District 3000, India (5 Rotarians) and District 3141 India (3 Rotarians) arrived Lagos on the 7^th of May, 2024 and a welcome reception was organised for them at the District office on 8^th May, 2024 and they all attended the District Conference in Abeokuta.

 

They were hosted to a farewell dinner in Lagos on 12^th May, 2024 by the President and members of Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Estate with me and my team in attendance, before returning to their Country on 13^th and 15^th of May, 2024 respectively. 

 

I thank PAG Kate Aiyenigba and  her Committee members; Rotary Clubs of Abeokuta Metropolitan, Rotary Club of Rock City, Abeokuta and Rotary Club of Mende Midtown for facilitating these visits.

 

Rotary Club of Rock City and Rotary Club of Abeokuta Metropolitan in collaboration with the 2^nd group of Rotarians for the Rotary Friendship Exchange from District 3141, India, ably led by DGE Manish Motwani created more awareness on Obesity during the Distirict Confernce. 

 

He arrived before the District Conference on the 7^th of May to conduct health camps, tests, give medications and train some of our medical personnel during these camps. Testings and consultations went on in Abeokuta during the conference.

 

Special thanks to the DGE of Rotary District 3141 India, Rotarian Manish Motwani and his team. My appreciation also goes to the Hope Presidents of Rotary Club of Abeokuta Metropolitan, Rotarian Oladapo Sanni , Rotary Club of Rock City, Rotarian Gbolagoke Adebiyi  and Rotarian Richard Edi of Mende Midtown.

 

 

 

For the first time in the history of our District, the Children’s Day Party/Talent Hunt Show was held on Sunday, 26^th May, 2024 at the Rotary Centre from 1.00pm – 6.00pm. It was a day to behold and all the children and Rotarians present had fun and were happy, celebrating with lots of party gifts, food and drinks. Thanks to all our Patrons and Matrons for their support which added to the successful outing.

 

Let me thank the Rotakids Committee chaired by PP Fatimah Hassan and her members for putting together the colourful events.

 

Disbursement of the funds to the 48 Clubs that applied are still on going and these Clubs are urged to step up work on the project and ensure they report adequately as expected at the end of the project on or before 20^th of  June, 2024.

 

The Convention was held from 25^th – 29^th May, 2024. 

 

There were lots of fun, interesting and educative break-out sessions, host hospitality night and our District hospitality night in grand style.

 

One key highlight of the Singapore convention was the invite extended to me and my District team to join  the Rotary Club of Singapore host hospitality nite, this equally coincided with the cutting of the cake for the 94^th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Singapore.The event of this hospitality nite was rounded off with a 2-hr boat cruise on the “SEA WOLF”, courtesy of Rotarain Tom Wolf , an incoming President and member of the Rotary Club of Singapore. 

Let me appreciate our ever resourceful and energetic DGND Bukola Bakare and her team for the good job and the unforgettable experience we had in Singapore.

 

Dues are still being owed by some Clubs that have decided to owe perpetually.

Their list will be passed on to the DGEs of both Districts.

 

Kindly permit me to invite you to join me on Friday, 28^th June, 2024 at the above event from 3.00pm to jointly celebrate our achievement for the year.  It is an event plan to appreciate and recognize those that made the year what it has been,

 

It is at this event that the best Most Outstanding Club and President will emerge. The winner’s portrait which is the last for District 9110 will be hanged by the District Governor in the Rotary Hall of Fame. I see a very stiff competition at this stage among Clubs to win the trophy.  

So also, other remaining awards on membership ,  projects , Highest club on foundation giving , Best booth on  house of friendship etc. will be given out on that day . 

 

 

The District Executive Secretary has published the updated itinerary for the last month of June for your attention . The Rotary year is not ended yet and be re-assured that I am still available to support you in delivering on your live-impacting projects as much as possible .

 

As this is my last message to you for this Rotary year , permit me to use this medium to thank Our District leaders, particularly our PDGs for their support from start to finish . most especially PDGs Somo Omoniyi, Kennedy Ejakpomewhe, Patrick Ikheloa , Kola Sodipo and my finance Chairman Remi Bello  for their exceptional support.

My Troika and future Governors , you were the best . thanks for all your support .

 

I thank all my Hope Presidents for being so fantastic and particularly, I will like to call out the Captain of my Hope Presidents, Rotn Kemi Folorunso and her Vice captians, Rotarian Oladapo Sanni and Rotarian Ben Ajike for a good job of Co-ordination. I thank all my Assistant Governors Zonal Co-Ordinators and Committee chairs and their  members. God bless you all for a wonderful year of service to humanity .

I must not conclude this address without specially recognizing my core team led by my District Executive Secretary – PAG Tayo Adelaja of Rotary Club of Gbagada, the District Treasurer – AG Alex Ajibo of RC Okota, Chief of Staff – AG Ezinne Obioha of RC Ojodu and my Special Assistant – PP Laurine Ubanozie of RC Ikoyi Metro for their hard work and resilience during this about ending Rotary year. I ask the good Lord to bless and reward you all.

 

The entirety of the District staff, Rasheed, Uduak, Helen, Elizabeth, Ajibola ,Blessing, Abiodun (the Global Radio) and others, I thank you all for making my year a memorable one for me and I ask that we do much more to close the year on a high note.  God bless you all.

 

To the generality of Rotarians, on behalf of myself, my daughter, Whitney and my entire family , I thank you for a good year and to plead that we spend the next 30 days to round off together on a high note. 

 

As the Rotary year gradually closes, let us  remember that Serving Humanity is our commitment; We should therefore continue to do this as we Create Hope in our various communities , looking  forward to the Magic of Rotary.

 

Thank you.

 

 

 

District Governor 2023-2024