The Rotary Club in Lagos has called on Nigerians and the international community to adopt the values of service and giving, as the organisation deepened public awareness of its activities.

Speaking at the Rotary Public Image Seminar held in Lagos on Tuesday with the theme ‘Beyond the Logo: Building a Compliant and Impactful Rotary Image,’ District Governor, Rotary International District 9112, Mr. Lanre Adedoyin, said the group remained committed to advancing humanity through selfless service.

Adedoyin stressed that Nigerians and global actors could make society better if they embraced Rotary’s four-way test and values of integrity, fellowship, leadership, and diversity.

He said, “We want Nigerians and the international community at large to feel the impact of Rotary, because what we do resonates with the philosophy of giving to the needy and delivering service to our communities.

Our motto is service above self, and when we serve, we don’t count cost, we don’t count profit, we serve selflessly because we are people of action and problem solvers.”

He hailed the seminar as a results-oriented programme, noting that the district, through its invited experts, has preached the Rotary message. “We have told our stories, the impact that we have made, our contribution to the growth and development of humanity. For us, today marks another step in our journey towards propagating the ideas of Rotary, the projects that we do, who we are, our core values, our goals and objectives,” Adedoyin noted.

The seminar featured presentations from media and public relations experts, including the Chair, District Public Image Committee, Ehi Braimah, Broadcast Journalist, Dr Reuben Abati, Public Relations Strategist, Dr Nkechi Ali-Balogun, and other speakers who emphasised that a strong public image was central to Rotary’s growth.

In his keynote address, Abati urged Rotarians to promote the organisation’s values by personal example and media engagement.

He said, “If you believe in what you are doing, you must be the number one promoter of Rotary, by the example you project within the community. Media support is important. It will build credibility. Because if you don’t tell your story, it will not be told.”

Abati advised districts and chapters of Rotary to engage strategically with traditional and social media platforms to showcase their impact and attract wider support.

Past President of the Rotary Club of Ikoyi, District 9112, John Senaya, maintained that a strong public image builds trust and amplifies impact. He stressed, “It attracts partners, members, supporters and funders. For us practitioners, we say that public image is no less important than foundation and membership.”

Senaya, a marketing communications consultant, explained that Rotary’s rebranding efforts are aimed at ensuring the organisation’s communication, logos, and activities project authenticity, consistency and global recognition.

He added, “Our communication should look, feel, and sound unmistakably like Rotary the world over. We want Rotary to be smart, compassionate, and inspiring. When people see us in action, they are more likely to want to collaborate with us.”

The seminar brought together Rotarians, media professionals, and community leaders, as the club reaffirmed its role as a global humanitarian organisation driven by the values of service above self.