The Rotary Club of Abeokuta has inducted Rotarian (Dr) Edward Olu Alo, as the 46th President of the club, while also honouring some eminent Nigerians who have contributed immensely to the service of humanity.
Some of the awardees include, Dr. Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser On Media and Publicity to President, Muhammadu Buhari, Engr. Babatunde Ogun, Barr. Oyewole Olurin and Olumide Ogunbowale.
Olu Alo, while speaking shortly after his investiture which took place at the Continental Suite, IBB Boulevard, Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun state, capital, appreciated members of the club for their unwavering support for humanity, while reiterating her commitment to club and humanity at large.
He promised that the year will be fruitful, full of notable activities and that he will not relent in her commitment to serving the community and making a positive impact on the society.
Olu Alo said that Rotary is not just an organisation, but it is a movement, a force for good that bring together people of action, people of purpose, and people of passion, its lies in ability to transform lives, create lasting change, and bring hope where it is needed most.
“Indeed, Rotary will embark on seven areas of strategic priorities, which includes; Peace Building and Conflict Prevention, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, Maternal and Child Health, Basic Education and Literacy, Community Economic Development and Supporting the Environment,” Olu Alo said.
Olu Alo called on all present at the event and others to join the club in achieving its target of seven point agendas which are the bedrock of mission and vision of the club, saying that these areas are not just goals; but they are a reflection of commitment to creating lasting change in the world.
Adesina, while speaking after his recognition said he considered the award as a personal milestone and an opportunity to be part of humanity, part of the resilience that has actually defined the nation and the Rotary Club of Abeokuta.
He said that it was imperative to attend the investiture of Rotary Club of Abeokuta, as the new President (Olu Alo) was his childhood friend, saying it was childhood friend of 49 years, implored the Rotarians to think behave in the four way test of Rotary say or do.
“In fact, I feel elated to be here, but the members should behave and think positively accoding to their four way test of the things they think, which includes; Is it the Truth?, Is it Fair to all concerned?, Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendship? And Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?. All these involved ways of closing to the Lord, and they believe in this ways, so as to have humanity at heart.
“The greatness of humanity, they say, is not just in being human but being humane philosophically to make the society a better place. And what we can do is to continue with that tradition.” Adesina said.
In her valedictory speech, the immediate past President, Rtn. (Hon). Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye said that the Rotary Club had done tremendously under her leadership through the completion of numerous projects that have brought hope to many lives.
She said that some notable achievements had been recorded which includes, the continuation and completion of the Rotary House project, community water project at Iredele street, Abeokuta, installation and unveiling of the “4-way Test” signage along with 2024 club’s peace project in collaboration with RI District 9110 among others.
Adijat Adeleye further stressed the need for other well-meaning Nigerians to join in the service to humanity, while imploring members to join hands together with new president to let the club thrive and achieve even greater heights.
“When you climb the ladder of success that does not preclude you from looking down that ladder and raising somebody up to make them successful as well. That is the only way we can make our society better, we cannot expect the government to do everything.
“It is incumbent upon me and you and also non-governmental organisations to work together, to collaborate together, to make the society a better place,” she said
The New President, Rotary Club Of Abeokuta, Rotarian (Dr). Edward Olu Alo, One of the awardees, Dr. Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser On Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari and Oba (Barr.) Johnson Adebayo Okubena Adaraledoye II, Elerunwon Of Erunwon-Ijebu, Kingdom, at the investiture/fundraising ceremony of 46th President of Rotary Club of Abeokuta, held at IBB Boulevard, Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
