By Omotunde Alawode
The new President of Rotary Club of Opebi (District 9110), Lagos, Babatunde Salami, has identified seven major projects his administration would concentrate on.
They included construction of a sick bay for Opebi Grammar School, cervical cancer screening and vaccination of young girls within Opebi community, glaucoma and cataract screening for senior citizens.
Others were donation of wheelchairs to polio victims, donations of ICT facilities and distribution of educational materials to pupils of Opebi Primary School, provision of free interest loans under the micro-credit scheme to indigent members, donation of food and consumables to Opebi Correctional Centre and provision of free legal services to indigent inmates and decongestion of prison.
Salami gave spoke at his investiture ceremony as the 39th president of the club, Lagos Country Club, Ikeja: “Every year, it is traditional to change the baton of leadership in Rotary. For a new year to rise it starts from June to July, bringing with it fresh ideas, new breath, strength and the energy and eagerness to impact lives, coupled with new fields and areas of focus.
“The theme for this year is ‘Imagine Rotary’ where members act to make their dreams become reality and they make the most of their club experiences. Members should engage more with one other and use the connections to build partnerships that change the world.
“In the space of three months, we have carried out three notable projects which cut across education and community development.”
He appreciated the club’s Assistant Governor, Ezinne Obioha, past president, members, executive members, committees and others “who have supported the club’s growth using their resources, time and talents.”
A lecture, “Serving Humanity by Being Your Neighbour’s Keeper” was delivered by Ahmed Akanbi.
Chairman at the event, Dr Olabisi Akanbi, encouraged the new president and promised continued support to the club to make his tenure a success: “Rotary all over the world commands respect and it is a worthy cause to be part of.”
Dignitaries included District Governor, 9110, Omotunde Lawson, and District Governor-elect, Ifeyinwa Ejezie. Six eminent Nigerians, including Otunba Kunle Bolarinde, Mr Adebayo Salami, Ayodeji Samson, Chief Babajimi Tokoya and Kayode Akinsola, were honoured with awards.