On Sunday, 23rd July, all roads led to the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta where the Rotary Club of Abeokuta, District 9110 Nigeria installed its 45th President, Hon. Adijat Adeleye as well as its Board of Directors of the 2023-2024 Rotary year with pomp and pageantry.
It was a thrilling moment with the attendance of Rotarians, Rotaractors, political bigwigs, traditional rulers, friends of the club both within and outside the Gateway State turned out en masse to felicitate the newly inaugurated Hope President and the former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Ogun State.
Some of the dignitaries present were the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, his predecessor, Suraj Adekunbi, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Bolanle Ajayi, Special Adviser, Housing, Jagunmolu Omoniyi, Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, National President, ACOMORAN, Prince Shamsudeen Apelogun, Olu of Itori, Oba Abdul-fatai Akorede Akamo, Olofin of Isheri, Oba Sulaiman Adekunle Bamgbade and Past District Governor, Bola Oyebade amongst others.
In her speech, the Deputy Governor, Oyedele, commend the selfless initiative of the club, noting that the choice of the new president by the members was an indication that the club remains committed to giving priority to teamwork, effective service delivery, transparency and passionate service to the community.
She further described the new president, Adeleye- a former two-term lawmaker as a team player who possesses the capacity to led like-minds in the journey to achieving the desired goals of the club for the rotary year and beyond.
In her acceptance speech, shortly after her installation as the Hope President, Hon. Adijat Adeleye assured that the club under her leadership would harness its collective strength; embrace the pillars of service, collaboration and innovation towards magnifying its impact and creating even greater hopes for those in needs, thereby alleviating poverty, promoting education, supporting healthcare initiatives and protecting the environment.
According to her, “collaboration will be the driving force behind our efforts as we work hand in hand with organizations, philanthropists and government entities at all levels to tackle complex challenges and creating sustainable solutions"
"Together we will be a beacon of light, shining brightly in the darkness, reminding the world that hope prevails even in the face of adversity”
On the proposed service projects for the Rotary year 2023-2024, she added that N43.6m was to be raised for feasible projects that would improve maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, disease prevention and treatment, vocational service, water and sanitation, environmental preservation, youth service, peace and conflict prevention/ resolution amongst others.
At the event, awards of Excellence and appreciation were presented to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Engr. His Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Speaker Olakunle Oluomo, Alhaji Muraina Banjoko, Abdulrasaq Isa and Lekan Lukan amongst others for their contributions to humanity and supporting the goals of the club.