Veteran Rotarian and humanitarian Mrs. Grace Omotosho was honoured during the official installation of Omolola Fakeye as the 42nd District Chairman of Inner Wheel District 911 in Lagos.

The event, held over the weekend, transcended a routine leadership transition. It doubled as a heartfelt celebration of Omotosho’s legacy of mentorship, leadership, and unwavering dedication to community service.

Described as a living icon within the Inner Wheel and Rotary movements, Omotosho was decorated as Mother of the Day and presented with a plaque in recognition of her “exceptional impact as an exemplary leader,” drawing a standing ovation and warm applause from the packed hall.

In her tribute, district chairman Fakeye, who was performing her first official duty in office, praised Omotosho as a pillar of excellence. “Her legacy is not just in the positions she held but in the lives she has shaped and the service she has inspired,” she said.

Visibly moved by the honour, Omotosho, who was accompanied by family and admirers, told The PUNCH the moment was deeply meaningful. “Inner Wheel is now international; it’s everywhere in the world. Even in countries like India and Greece, I’ve been recognised by members who had only heard of me,” she said.

She also reflected on her pioneering work in healthcare, recounting her early days at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, where she introduced dialysis and kidney treatment, becoming the first person to study the speciality in both Nigeria and West Africa. Her training took her to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and medical institutions in London.

A former Chief Nursing Officer at LUTH, Mrs. Omotosho has also served as the first National Representative/Council President of Inner Wheel in Nigeria and West Africa. She led clubs in Isolo and Matori and served as District Chairman in 1988.

Speaking further, she urged the new Inner Wheel leadership to prioritise support for vulnerable groups, especially the elderly and children. “In Nigeria, the elderly are often forgotten. We must keep giving back to our communities,” she added.

In her acceptance speech, Fakeye unveiled her vision for the new administration, anchored on inclusive leadership, mentorship, environmental sustainability, and healthcare advocacy. She aligned her theme with that of International Inner Wheel President Kay Morland, urging members to “Step up and lead by example.

“We are not just members of an organisation; we are architects of positive change,” she declared.

Immediate Past District Chairman Adenike Sodipo lightened the mood with humour, saying, “They said I handed over in June. I can’t remember doing that,” prompting laughter from the audience. She thanked the organisation for their support during her tenure.

The formal investiture was conducted by Folake Ajayi, who congratulated the incoming executive and charged them to see leadership as a vehicle for service and transformation.

The event, attended by Rotary dignitaries, Inner Wheel members, civil society representatives, and members of the public, also featured tributes from Professor Lanre Adeyemo, Chief Medical Director of LUTH, and guest speaker Mrs. Fola Laoye, founder of Iwosan Investments.

Professor Adeyemo applauded Inner Wheel’s role in complementing LUTH’s healthcare outreach, while Laoye spoke on values-based leadership, linking Inner Wheel’s humanitarian work to the pursuit of excellence in medicine.

Chief Launcher, Dr. Oladimeji Alo, described the event as “proof that service anchored in love and purpose has no limits.”

The new District Chairman and her team are expected to focus on key impact areas, including education, healthcare, environmental stewardship, and women’s empowerment.

In a congratulatory message, Inner Wheel National Representative for the 2025/2026 year, Mrs. Funmi Ogunsi, encouraged Fakeye to lead with “vision, courage, and a servant heart,” adding that the year ahead would be one of purpose-driven leadership and transformational service.

“Together, let’s create a legacy not of positions held, but of lives touched,” Fakeye said in her closing remarks.