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With Funsho Arogundade
Olayinka Hakeem Babalola makes his way to the front row. It was show time as he made his debut to the Rotary world. The moment was his presence at the traditional opening flag ceremony of the Rotary International Assembly in Orlando, Florida.
Babalola walked on that international stage as the 2026-2027 Rotary International President —the second from Nigeria and the second from Africa to lead the world’s largest humanitarian service organisation. He stood taller in his glittery green-and-white striped hat matching the Nigeria’s flag he hoisted before the global Rotary community from more than 100 countries while he sang along to the Nigerian national anthem at the International Assembly.
Babalola took office on Wednesday July 1 as the leader of all Rotarian across the globe. While unveiling his 2026-27 presidential theme of “Create Lasting Impact”, Babalola spoke to dozens of incoming district governors from regions still addressing polio who are in attendance at the Florida Assembly about service, health, and community work, drawing on his own journey from Rotaract to international leadership. He emphasised hands-on engagement, particularly on polio eradication, with the goal of reaching zero cases and urged strong commitment. Rotary and health leaders have noted Babalola’s experience working with communities, governments, and partners in Nigeria.
Babalola’s leadership path began early. Born in Ibadan to a teacher and an accountant, he was the eldest of six children. As a student at the then Federal University of Technology in Bauchi, he was invited to help organize a Rotaract Club and he became its Charter President.
After graduating in Electronics Engineering and completing Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps in Port Harcourt, Babalola continued in Rotaract, volunteering with clubs and partners on community projects. He later joined the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, where a sponsor’s support enabled his membership at a young age.
Babalola’s rise in Rotary followed years of club and district service. Colleagues say he played a key role in membership growth across Africa after the passing of Sam F. Owori of Uganda in 2017, when Babalola was preparing to serve as an RI director.
Africa’s Rotary membership grew significantly in the years that followed. He is also associated with large health initiatives such as Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria, a maternal and child health programme supported by The Rotary Foundation.
As Rotary International President, Babalola will travel and represent Rotary globally, focusing on service projects and partnerships that extend beyond headlines.
