Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Nigerians to adopt the Rotary Club’s tradition of selfless service as a guiding principle for nation-building and personal accountability.
Speaking through his wife, Bola Obasanjo, at the unveiling of Rotarian Bukola Bakare as the District 9111 Governor Nominee in Abeokuta, the former president praised the Rotary Club’s impactful initiatives aimed at uplifting humanity.
The event held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Ogun State during the pioneer convention of Rotary Club District 9111, also featured the formal introduction of Henry Akinyele as the District Governor-elect, who will succeed the outgoing District Governor, Dr Oluwole Kukoyi. Bakare, the first female president of the Rotary Club of Ikeja GRA, is next in line to succeed Akinyele.
Obasanjo urged guests and Rotarians to perform regular self-appraisals to assess their contributions to society.
“Before you go to bed every day, always take a pause and ask yourself, ‘What am I doing for others? What are people benefiting from me? What am I doing like the Rotary Club to make life more comfortable for others?” he said.
The former president lauded the outgoing District Governor, Dr Kukoyi, and his wife, Rev Olusola Kukoyi, for their demonstrated commitment to service, describing them as examples of Rotary’s values in action.
“It is not just by word of mouth that the Rotary Club is doing so much to help humanity; it is obvious to all,” he noted.
In her remarks, Bakare expressed gratitude for her nomination and described the role as an opportunity to expand her contributions to society.
“A lot still needs to be done in service to humanity if we want our country to attain its full potential,” she said.
Outgoing District Governor Dr Kukoyi thanked club members for their support throughout his tenure and urged them to sustain their impact at the grassroots.
Rotarian Eric Kimani, who represented Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick, encouraged Rotary members to embrace innovation and youth involvement while intensifying efforts to eradicate polio globally.
