From Adeko Ukpa

Rotary International President-Elect for 2026/2027, Olayinka Akeem Babalola, has announced that the global humanitarian organization has committed $9.8 million to combat malaria and diarrheal diseases in Nigeria.

Babalola, who will assume office in July 2026 as president of the 119-year-old organization, made the announcement during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja.

Introducing him at the event, Past District Governor Joshua Hassan noted that Babalola is only the second African to hold Rotary’s top leadership position since its founding in 1905.

A member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, Babalola was elected by Rotary International’s Board of Directors to lead the 1.4 million-member organization, which operates through 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries.

L-R: District Governor Elect, Rtn. Sikiru Adetona, Past District Governor, Rtn. Joshua Hassan, Rotary International, President-Elect for 2026/2027, Rtn. Olayinka Hakeem Babalola and District Governor 9127, Rtn. Joy Nky Okoro, during the press conference by the President-Elect of the Rotary International in Abuja, yesterday.

Speaking at the briefing, Babalola said Rotary is scaling up projects to tackle malaria, diarrheal diseases, and gaps in immunization coverage.

He cited a $9.8 million initiative already underway in Kebbi and other states, explaining that it builds on a successful $4 million pilot project in Zambia that reduced malaria cases by nearly 50 percent.

“We know what to do to finish the job. We’re committed to making a difference in Nigeria, and we’re working with the government to achieve our goals,” he said.

Babalola reaffirmed Rotary’s commitment to maternal and child health, disease prevention, education, water and sanitation, economic development, peacebuilding, and environmental sustainability.

On Rotary’s decades-long fight against polio, Babalola stressed that while Nigeria has been certified free of wild poliovirus, variant cases remain a threat due to low immunization coverage in some regions.

“We need to continue to vaccinate our children. Until there are no more cases of polio, no child is safe,” he said.

He warned that herd immunity requires at least 80 percent coverage, yet some states record as little as 13 percent while emphasizing Rotary’s partnership with government agencies to close these gaps.

According to him, Rotary International has invested over $300 million in Nigeria to combat polio as part of a global $3 billion commitment to eradication, in addition to donating $14 million to strengthen surveillance and curb the spread of all poliovirus strains.

Babalola also highlighted Rotary’s $2 million Healthy Families in Nigeria program, which aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality by improving access to healthcare facilities.

In one district, he noted, the percentage of births in healthcare facilities increased from 11 percent to 33 percent within a year of implementation.

He said beyond health initiatives, Rotary continues to invest in education and clean water,  citing Rotary-supported classrooms, teacher training, and solar-powered lighting for schools, alongside a ₦100 million water and sanitation project in Rivers State.

“Safe water is not just health, it’s education,” he said.

Reflecting on his historic appointment, Babalola said his presidency would bring African innovation to Rotary’s global agenda while scaling programs that deliver measurable impact.

“This is a privilege to lead a global movement dedicated to creating lasting change, not only across communities but also within ourselves. It is an exciting development for Nigeria, Africa, and the entire Rotary world,” he said.

While Nigeria stands to gain recognition from having a Rotary president, Babalola stressed that the organization remains structured and impartial in resource allocation.

“On average, Rotary in Nigeria donates about $3 million annually. In Nigeria alone, in the last three years, the Rotary Foundation has spent $33.5 million. Will there be increased grants? The possibility is there. But that will only happen if our Rotarians step up and do more for their communities. And I think they will,” he said.

Looking ahead, Babalola expressed optimism that his tenure would see Rotary expand its humanitarian footprint across Africa and globally.

“Wherever Rotary goes, good things follow. We need more people, more clubs, and more partnerships to create lasting change. This is Africa’s moment to lead. We will show the world that solutions can come from here,” he said.

He encouraged Nigerians to join Rotary clubs and engage actively in solving community challenges, saying, “You tell them, this is an issue in this area; can we do something about it? If there’s a need in that community, your Rotary club will take care of it.”

By Adeko Ukpa

The Founder of the Centre for Transparency Advocacy, Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi (Mazi Gburugburu), on Tuesday asked the Federal and Imo State Government to immortalise the founder  of defunct Diamond Bank, late Nda Pascal Gabriel Dozie.

He described the businessman as a titan and one of Nigeria’s most visionary entrepreneurs.

He said Imo State has lost a quintessential community leader, and a father figure.

Amadi, who paid the tribute in a statement in Abuja, said Dozie was blessed with humility and integrity.

Late Pascal Dozie.

Amadi said: “Sadly, our dear state, Imo, has lost an illustrious son, an intentional statesman, a quintessential community leader, and a father figure who shared in our vision of a state where transparency, accountability, the rule of law, and good governance are institutionalised.

“While we mourn his passing, especially at a time his wise counsel was most needed to realising the Imo State our founding fathers envisioned, we also celebrate an extraordinary legacy, built on excellence, foresight, and an unrelenting commitment to progress.

“May I appeal to the Federal Government and the Government of Imo State to accord a befitting immortality to this great Icon, in recognition of his many impactful contributions to nationhood.”

Dr Amadi

Amadi extolled the virtues of the banking Icon.

He added: “The news of the passing of Nda Pascal Gabriel Dozie, one of Nigeria’s most visionary entrepreneurs and astute nation-builders, has left a profound sense of loss in my heart.

“Yet, I remain grateful to God for a truly accomplished life. His journey was a shining testament to brilliance, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s economic and technological advancement.

“A true pioneer, Nda Pascal Dozie, former Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, was not only the founder of Diamond Bank but also a key architect of Nigeria’s modern financial and telecommunications sectors.

“His leadership at MTN Nigeria shaped a telecom revolution that transformed the nation’s digital landscape.

“Beyond his professional achievements, he was deeply admired across generations and indeed acclaimed globally for his integrity, humility, and profound wisdom.

“On behalf of my family, the Jude and Juliana Foundation, and The Mazi Organization (TMO), we extend our deepest condolences to the Dozie family, especially his beloved wife, Nda Chinyere, my brother Uzoma and his siblings as well as the entire Egbu community, Imolites, and Nigerians at large.

“We pray that God Almighty grants eternal rest to his gentle soul and comfort to all who mourn, in the knowledge that his life was a beacon of impact and service.”

Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

The Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair and Past Rotary International President, Mark Maloney, will visit Nigeria from Thursday, January 15, to Monday, January 20, 2025, accompanied by his spouse, Gay.

A major high point of the visit would be Maloney’s meeting and engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to discuss Rotary’s contributions to national development.

The RI Trustee Chair, according to a statement by RI in Abuja, will be welcomed by Rotary Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, District Governors from Nigeria’s six Rotary International Districts, and other senior leaders, including Past Rotary International Vice President Yinka Babalola.

“This visit highlights Rotary’s steadfast commitment to humanitarian service, fostering partnerships, and supporting impactful initiatives in Africa,” RI said.

Major highlights of the visit include: “Engagement with Leadership: On January 17, 2025, Maloney will meet with the President of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to discuss Rotary’s contributions to national development.

“Spotlight on Rotary in Nigeria: Nigeria is a cornerstone of Rotary’s global mission, boasting the highest number of districts in Africa and the largest humanitarian giving in the Africa Zone.

“It is also a beneficiary of the $2 million Programmes of Scale grant, supporting maternal and child health.

“Community Outreach and Engagements: Town Hall meetings in Abuja and Lagos to connect with Rotarians and Rotaractors.

“Symbolic polio immunization at Jahi Primary Health Centre, Abuja, on January 16.

“Visits to impactful project sites, including the Indo Eye Care Foundation in Lagos and underserved communities in Abuja.

“Celebratory Events:
Maloney’s visit will feature two major fundraising events:

“Gala Night in Abuja (January 17): A celebration to inspire increased contributions to The Rotary Foundation.

“Lagos Dinner (January 19): A ticketed event to unite Rotarians, friends, and partners in support of Rotary’s mission.”

Rotary Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okoro expressed optimism about the visit’s impact,saying, “This visit is creating positive vibes across communities in Nigeria and Ghana, showcasing how The Rotary Foundation is transforming lives.

“I am confident that Rotarians and friends of Rotary will find renewed passion and fulfillment in serving others.”

Victor Onukwugha, chairman of the Central Planning Committee, added, “Rotary’s commitment to polio eradication, clean water, education, and disease prevention continues to leave an indelible mark on Nigeria, making it polio-free and a model for impactful service.”