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Rotarian Bukola Bakare, District Governor of Rotary Club of District 9111, recently paid her inaugural official visit to the Rotary Club of Amuwo, Lagos State, with commendations for the club’s management and its micro- credit scheme, among other projects.
Bakare took office recently as the DG of District 9111 and her first visit to the Rotary Club of Amuwo coincided with the disbursement of loans to beneficiaries of the club’s micro-credit grant to selected beneficiaries in the areas under the club’s purview.
During the club’s board meeting, District Governor Bakare introduced members of her team, while appreciating the Impact President of Rotary Club of Amuwo and his team.
She acknowledged the developments in the club over the years, moving straight to key issues that are dear to Rotary Club: membership, the foundation and public image of the Rotary Club.
The DG emphasized contributions to the Annual Rotary Fund, as well as committed participation in the polio eradication project.
In attendance to honour the event were Rotarian Chris Ezeokwelume, Impact President, Rotary Club of Amuwo; Rotarian Lady Oge Okonkwo, Vice President; PP Rotarian Bernard Umelo; Rotarian Maureen Okoli, Impact President, Rotary Club of Amuwo Prestige; Rotarian Chichi Mackings, Impact President, Rotary Club of Festac Central; PP Rotarian Ikenna Oguejiofor; PP Rotarian (High Chief) Angel Gabriel Ezechukwu; Rotarian Maureen Ogechukwu; Rotarian Vivian Agunenye, Impact Secretary, Rotary Club of Amuwo; Rotarian PAG Nwanne Pius Udeh, Project Director; Rotarian Uduma Wilfred; and Rotarian Oguai Richard, among other Rotarians and guests.
The president, Ezeokwelume, formally welcomed the DG and her entourage to the Rotary Club of Amuwo and, thereafter, called the meeting to order, with a request that Rotarian Udeh should address the meeting on the club’s 2026 disbursements to beneficiaries for the micro-credit lending project.
In his presentation, Rotarian Udeh said this year’s programme marked the 20th year of this periodic loan disbursement, which started in September 2005.
Udeh said, “Rotary Club of Amuwo’s micro-credit project (revolving loan fund) is a matching grant project initiated by PAG Ike Ugwu and proposed by the Rotary Club of Amuwo, while sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Waunakee and Madison West Towne, Middleton, USA, as well as Rotary Districts 9110 Nigeria, 6250 Wisconsin, USA, and the Rotary Foundation.”
Udeh, the project director, further announced that the objective of the scheme was poverty alleviation while encouraging financial self-sufficiency and education for women in Amuwo and its environs of Lagos State.
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He stated that the grant has since 2023 extended to Ajeromi Local Government Area.
He also highlighted some of the immediate impacts of the project as: provision of badly needed cash for business, and skills necessary for success in vocation and trade.
On the other hand, the long-term community benefits of the project were: poverty alleviation, reduction in illiteracy, better maternal and child health and increase in safe health practices, among other benefits.
“My District Governor, fellow Rotarians, this project has really put a smile and lasting impact on so many women beneficiaries and their families for the past 21 years and it is our prayer that the project should be sustained by increasing the amount available for disbursement to those women,” he concluded.
Ezeokwelume afterwards invited Bakare, the District Governor, to present the micro-credit cheques to the 10 beneficiaries.
After the presentation, Bakare advised the beneficiaries to use the grant judiciously and make repayments when they are due.
She equally commended the club’s management for the loans.
Ezeokwelume in this inaugural strategic visit of the DG, also made known the key priorities of the club in the 2026/2027 impact Rotary Year.
“The club is committed to increasing its membership by 25% through strategic recruitment, effective orientation and membership of new members; active member engagement and retention, diversity and recognition of members’ contributions.
“The club will also leverage community activities, networking and social media to attract prospective members and regularly monitor progress towards achieving the target.
“Further, Rotary Foundation remains a key priority for Rotary Club of Amuwo in strengthening the club’s capacity to access global grants and implement high- impact, sustainable projects that address genuine community needs.
“Finally, Rotary Club of Amuwo will focus on strengthening partnership with other Rotary Clubs, District 9111, community stakeholders and potential project partners, encourage regular contributions to the annual fund and other foundation initiatives; maintaining compliance with Rotary Foundation requirements to ensure that our club remains eligible for global grants, among others,” he said.
