My Dear Rotarians,
IMAGINE! WE ARE FOUR MONTHS GONE IN THE ROTARY YEAR NOVEMBER - ROTARY FOUNDATION MONTH
The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives, both at home and around the world.
Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.
With your help, we can continue to make lives better in our communities and around the world.
· Our mission
The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
· What impact can one’s donation have?
For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio. $50 can provide clean water to help fight waterborne diseases. $500 can launch an antibullying campaign and create a safe environment for children. The work of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has reduced cases by 99.9%, from 350,000 in 1988 to only six cases last year. However, the global effort has lost ground with 20 cases in Pakistan and two in Afghanistan. Transmission of the wild poliovirus has not been stopped in both countries.
For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio. $50 can provide clean water to help fight waterborne diseases. $500 can launch an antibullying campaign and create a safe environment for children. The work of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has reduced cases by 99.9%, from 350,000 in 1988 to only six cases last year. However, the global effort has lost ground with 20 cases in Pakistan and two in Afghanistan. Transmission of the wild poliovirus has not been stopped in both countries.
The diagnosis of a polio case in the U.S. and the detection of poliovirus in sewage in the United Kingdom show that polio will remain a global threat until it is eradicated everywhere. Without concerted action which includes polio immunization and continued funding, we could lose the gains we have made. These funds will support polio immunizations in countries where polio is endemic and in those that have had recent outbreaks. It will also fund adoption of the new type 2 oral polio vaccine (nOPV2) which is a modified version of a current vaccine that is less likely to cause outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived polio.
Before I go on, below is a review of what happened in the month of October. Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are renewing their longstanding partnership to end polio, announcing a joint commitment of up to $450 million to support the global polio eradication effort on October 18, 2022.
POLIOPLUS ACTIVITIES
· Program participation and funding
Clubs embarked on different polio awareness campaigns and advocacy programmes in observance of 24th October as World Polio Day. As of 18th October, 2022, 100 clubs had registered their world Polio Day event which is commendable and an indication of Rotarians’ re-commitment to eradicate polio. Rotarians have been very generous in their individual contributions ranging from $10 to $2,000 to PolioPlus.
· Polio walk
The District polio walk 2022 took place for the first time in three zones which are the newly included Lagos Island zone, on Saturday, 22 nd October; Lagos Mainland, on Sunday, 23 rd October and, Abeokuta zone, on Saturday, 29 th October. The activities went beyond a ‘walk’ as they were very entertaining and equally attracted new membership prospects. The District Governor from an open-air vehicle used the ‘walk’ to create polio awareness and promote the immunization exercise by her address which was translated in Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo languages at different locations including the Ikeja bus stop in Lagos, Omida market and Panseke Motor Park, both in Abeokuta.
The District polio walk 2022 took place for the first time in three zones which are the newly included Lagos Island zone, on Saturday, 22 nd October; Lagos Mainland, on Sunday, 23 rd October and, Abeokuta zone, on Saturday, 29 th October. The activities went beyond a ‘walk’ as they were very entertaining and equally attracted new membership prospects. The District Governor from an open-air vehicle used the ‘walk’ to create polio awareness and promote the immunization exercise by her address which was translated in Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo languages at different locations including the Ikeja bus stop in Lagos, Omida market and Panseke Motor Park, both in Abeokuta.
There was adequate coverage of the events on facebook live, other social, print and electronic media. The Governor granted media interviews
and made live appearances on Radio Eko FM (English speaking) Radio Lagos (Yoruba speaking) as well as our D9110 Rotary Global Radio.
and made live appearances on Radio Eko FM (English speaking) Radio Lagos (Yoruba speaking) as well as our D9110 Rotary Global Radio.
· Immunization exercise
In compliance with the District goals of Rotarians immunizing 5000 kids this Rotary year, many clubs have vaccinated kids while others plan to do so in November which is the Rotary Foundation month. The District Governor joined Rotary Club of Okota at Isolo health centre and vaccinated all the 27 kids at the centre, making a total of eighty kids she vaccinated within a week if added to the those at Christhill
Schools, Amuwo Odofin.
In compliance with the District goals of Rotarians immunizing 5000 kids this Rotary year, many clubs have vaccinated kids while others plan to do so in November which is the Rotary Foundation month. The District Governor joined Rotary Club of Okota at Isolo health centre and vaccinated all the 27 kids at the centre, making a total of eighty kids she vaccinated within a week if added to the those at Christhill
Schools, Amuwo Odofin.
INDUCTION OF RID 9110 ARCHKLUMP SOCIETY MEMBERS AT EVANSTON
Four Rotarians were inducted at once into the prestigious Arch Klump Society at a ceremony held at the number one Rotary Centre, in Illinois, Chicago on 15th October, 2022. That was yet another Koseleri occurrence in the annals of our District.
The four whose pictures are now in the Hall of Fame are:
IPP Bamidele Onalaja, RC of Maryland
AG Tolu Onalaja, RC of Ogudu GRA
IPP Bamidele Onalaja, RC of Maryland
AG Tolu Onalaja, RC of Ogudu GRA
PP Dare Adeyeri, RC of Lagos
Rotn. U.K. Eke, RC of Lagos
CONTRIBUTIONS TO ROTARY FOUNDATION
Clubs and Rotarians have continued to support our Foundation. I want to use this medium to thank clubs and all Rotarians for rising to the call for continuous support to TRF, especially in PolioPlus and Annual Programs Fund. We cannot afford to relax on funding to completely eradicate polio. Many clubs who before DG’s visit had Rotarian non-donors had their statuses changed during my visit to all-TRF donor clubs with a minimum of $10 donation per member.
Rotn. U.K. Eke, RC of Lagos
CONTRIBUTIONS TO ROTARY FOUNDATION
Clubs and Rotarians have continued to support our Foundation. I want to use this medium to thank clubs and all Rotarians for rising to the call for continuous support to TRF, especially in PolioPlus and Annual Programs Fund. We cannot afford to relax on funding to completely eradicate polio. Many clubs who before DG’s visit had Rotarian non-donors had their statuses changed during my visit to all-TRF donor clubs with a minimum of $10 donation per member.
ROTARY DIRECT (making giving easier)
This is a recurring giving program which makes giving easy, fast, and secure. You can schedule a monthly, quarterly, or annual donation that empowers Rotarians to change lives in communities around the world. This is a program of The Rotary Foundation (TRF). Giving has become easier, please click on this link https://my.rotary.org/rotary- direct. It accepts your Dollar Credit Card. You have an opportunity to set a
standing order to debit your account monthly ($25, $50, $75, $100, $250, $1,000 or any amount). This can be done on all mobile devices and tablets. You can also pay from your Naira Account to below bank details:
*Bank Name: Zenith Bank Plc
*Account Name: Rotary International District 9125 (Foundation)
*Account Number: 1223742964
CLUB’S ROTARY FOUNDATION FUND RAISING DINNER
Many clubs have plan for Rotary Foundation fund raising events. The District appreciates this laudable program, but wishes to remind clubs that funds raised are expected to be put in Rotary Foundation account and not into the club’s operational or project accounts while the donors are not credited. We also had cases of Rotarians who converted the donation of non-Rotarians to theirs. I want to appeal that the TRF accounts of Rotarian and non-Rotarian donors should be credited with all donations made, which is the credible thing to do. The club should seek for
fund from outside sources to plan the dinner.
This is a recurring giving program which makes giving easy, fast, and secure. You can schedule a monthly, quarterly, or annual donation that empowers Rotarians to change lives in communities around the world. This is a program of The Rotary Foundation (TRF). Giving has become easier, please click on this link https://my.rotary.org/rotary- direct. It accepts your Dollar Credit Card. You have an opportunity to set a
standing order to debit your account monthly ($25, $50, $75, $100, $250, $1,000 or any amount). This can be done on all mobile devices and tablets. You can also pay from your Naira Account to below bank details:
*Bank Name: Zenith Bank Plc
*Account Name: Rotary International District 9125 (Foundation)
*Account Number: 1223742964
CLUB’S ROTARY FOUNDATION FUND RAISING DINNER
Many clubs have plan for Rotary Foundation fund raising events. The District appreciates this laudable program, but wishes to remind clubs that funds raised are expected to be put in Rotary Foundation account and not into the club’s operational or project accounts while the donors are not credited. We also had cases of Rotarians who converted the donation of non-Rotarians to theirs. I want to appeal that the TRF accounts of Rotarian and non-Rotarian donors should be credited with all donations made, which is the credible thing to do. The club should seek for
fund from outside sources to plan the dinner.
GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO CLUBS
Fifty (50) Rotary clubs have been visited so far, which is better for these clubs as they would be able to use the Governor’s appraisal to improve their clubs’ administration and work on their weaknesses. There are 146 clubs to visit, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to accommodate clubs that are requesting to push their club visit forward. I wish to reiterate that the visit of the Governor does not indicate that there must be commissioning of project(s) on that day.
Fifty (50) Rotary clubs have been visited so far, which is better for these clubs as they would be able to use the Governor’s appraisal to improve their clubs’ administration and work on their weaknesses. There are 146 clubs to visit, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to accommodate clubs that are requesting to push their club visit forward. I wish to reiterate that the visit of the Governor does not indicate that there must be commissioning of project(s) on that day.
MEMBERSHIP – WE ARE ALMOST THERE
Membership Gain
As of 30th September, District 9110 was the 7th in membership gain globally and the 1st in Zone 22. We await the rating as of 31st October. Our membership as of today stands at 4,989, with a net gain of 549. We are therefore just 11 members away from the minimum membership of 5,000 as required by Rotary International for final approval of districting into 9111 and 9112. Some clubs that have admitted new
members are yet to report them. This is not in line with Rotary’s best practices; making someone feel he/she is a member of the club when this is not the case. Such clubs, we believe, want to smuggle such persons out using the coming Melbourne convention.
· New club development
The District is more cautious now on new club formation judging from the worrisome 36 weak clubs which we currently have. Clubs now propose new clubs that are foundationally deficient in different ways for admission into Rotary. For example, a new club having novices in Rotary basics knowledge as both president and new club adviser, new clubs with ‘ghost’ members (formed for award-winning purpose), etc. We currently have a few unpleasant situations at hand. Going forward, any old club that wants to sponsor a new club must be ready to offer one or two of its members who are sound in Rotary knowledge and practices to start off the club and also remain with the club.
· Membership Development
The Third edition of the novel breakfast virtual Strategic Training for Action in Rotary (STAR) held on Saturday, 22 nd September, between 8 and 9.30am. This avenue provided ample opportunity for Rotarians to advance their Rotary knowledge. The training was on Community Economic Development, the month’s area of focus.
WEST AFRICA PROJECT FAIR 2022
This will be hosted by District 9142 between 3rd and 5th November, 2022. We expect international partners from USA, Korea and many other countries who have expressed interest in attending.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
· Update on Partnership with Eko Hotels & Suites
The District signed a corporate agreement with Eko Hotels & Suites on Tuesday, 4th October, 2022. This partnership will provide accommodation, meals, and other services to the guests of Rotary International, District 9110, at discounted prices outlined and also period specified in the agreement. The partnership agreement is revisable every three months. Clubs and Rotarians have started enjoying the benefits. For more information, contact PAG Sanjeev Tandon, the District chairman on strategic partnerships and startups committee. Similar discussions are ongoing with other organizations.
UPCOMING EVENTS
· Training in emergency management for Rotarians/Rotaractors
The District Disaster Management Committee, in partnership with Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) / Logic City Fleet Services Ltd, will be having a 2-day training for eighty (80) registered Rotarians on (a) CPR and first aid administration and (b) Fire-fighting basics at the Rotary Centre on November 9th, 2022.
· Rotary Foundation Seminar
The seminar will hold on Thursday, 10 th November, 2022 at the Rotary Centre.
The seminar will hold on Thursday, 10 th November, 2022 at the Rotary Centre.
· District Governor’s Happy Hour
The November edition of ‘District Governor’s Happy Hour’ with new Rotarians will hold on Friday, 25th November, 2022. All club Presidents are to send the names and contact details of the new members for this edition to PP Abiodun Osinibosi on
08033262264.
The November edition of ‘District Governor’s Happy Hour’ with new Rotarians will hold on Friday, 25th November, 2022. All club Presidents are to send the names and contact details of the new members for this edition to PP Abiodun Osinibosi on
08033262264.
· TRF fund-raising dinner
This will be held on 2nd December, 2022 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos. There are no ticket sales for the event as a cumulative contribution of $1000 dollars to The Rotary Foundation this Rotary year will grant you access.
· The Imaginative Family of Rotary Funfair
This will now hold on 17 th December, 2022 at the Police College, Ikeja. This is one event where clubs and their members are encouraged to bring their families and friends. The committee is planning to make it a memorable event to end the first half of the 2022-2023 Rotary year.
MELBOURNE 2023 CONVENTION 27TH-31ST MAY, 2023
Our District has recorded 734 total registration as of 31st October, 2022. Screening for visa application commenced as scheduled on Tuesday, 11 th October, 2022. The convention committee is ensuring due diligence in the discharge of their duties. This, sadly, is due to the unwholesome behaviours that have been seen with some clubs that brought people who are not Rotarians for screening. Because of this, our
District now has to align with the other three Districts in Nigeria on the eligibility clause of Rotarians who wish to route their application through the Districts. Such must have membership of MINIMUM OF TWO YEARS in Rotary.
Our District has recorded 734 total registration as of 31st October, 2022. Screening for visa application commenced as scheduled on Tuesday, 11 th October, 2022. The convention committee is ensuring due diligence in the discharge of their duties. This, sadly, is due to the unwholesome behaviours that have been seen with some clubs that brought people who are not Rotarians for screening. Because of this, our
District now has to align with the other three Districts in Nigeria on the eligibility clause of Rotarians who wish to route their application through the Districts. Such must have membership of MINIMUM OF TWO YEARS in Rotary.
However, frequent travellers who have VALID visas for any two (2) of USA, UK or Canada may be considered. The only ACCEPTABLE guest of a Rotarian is the SPOUSE and he/she must bear the same surname with the Rotarian. I wish to advice eligible Rotarians to present themselves for screening on the date scheduled for them so that the committee can push in the first batch of applications to the VFS office for biometrics. The desk officers are very few and delays in processing are imminent.
RECOGNITION OF INDIVIDUALS AND CLUBS
· Monthly Recognition of clubs and individual Rotarians Recognition of clubs and individual Rotarians who have done outstanding things or
made valuable contributions to the district within the month will continue monthly.
End of Rotary Year Awards & Recognitions
I wish to remind club Presidents to read the marking scheme for end of year awards and recognitions thoroughly again, plan and work as a team in your club and in line with the vision and goals of Rotary International and District 9110. Clubs are always very quick to disagree with District’s Recognitions & Awards committee after awards presentations without recourse to the marking scheme earlier provided. The marking scheme is open to all Rotarians.
GOVERNOR SPEAKS - NOVEMBER EDITION
Finally…
You are invited to join the Governor virtually for the next interactive session to hold on Thursday, 3rd November, at 2.00 pm. By then, you would have read my message and be ready to bring to table your suggestions and questions.
You are invited to join the Governor virtually for the next interactive session to hold on Thursday, 3rd November, at 2.00 pm. By then, you would have read my message and be ready to bring to table your suggestions and questions.
APPRECIATION
· May I at this juncture appreciate once again our past and future District Governors, Assistant Governors, Committee Chairmen, Imaginative Presidents, Past Presidents and all Rotarians for your tremendous support so far. Many have been very supportive, both morally and financially. But more importantly, prayerfully.
· As we all continue to Imagine Rotary of Our Dream, I want to assure us that things can only get better with the continuous and wondrous support of you all.
Thank you as we Imagine Rotary of Our Dream and God bless all of you.
Omotunde Lawson, FCAI
Imaginative District Governor
Imaginative District Governor