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By Sunday Ani
On October 26, Rotarians, Rotaractors, friends and well-wishers of the Rotary Club of Greenfield, Okota, Isolo, Lagos State, turned out in their numbers to witness the installation of Bonny Ogirri, as the fourth president of the club.
Amid pomp and ceremony, the investiture, which took place at Ago Palace Way, Lagos, equally witnessed the induction of the club’s board of directors for the 2025/2026 Rotary year and awards to some individuals for their humanitarian services.
The elegantly decorated hall was filled to the brim with guests donning various flowing and flowery garbs, all radiating love and happiness as they responded to the sonorous musical tunes of the 70s and early 80s. It was indeed an evening to remember as there was enough to eat and drink for guests and members as well.
In his acceptance speech on the occasion, Ogirri, who appreciated the past presidents for their tireless efforts and dedication to the club’s mission, reaffirmed his commitment to Rotary’s core values and his preparedness to move the club to a greater heights.
He said: “As we embark on this New Year, I want to emphasise our commitment to Rotary’s core values, ranging from fellowship to service and integrity.”
He called on fellow Rotarians to work together to make positive impacts in their communities through projects that promote education, health and environmental sustainability.
“I encourage each member to share their time, talent and resources to make our club even more vibrant. Let’s support one another, collaborate and innovate to achieve our set goals,” he said.
On what the club plans to do in the next one year, he noted that the club has been embarking on massive projects but, this year, they would embark on a project that would outlive them.
He said the club has earmarked N35 million to undertake projects this year, one of which is the construction of a block of classrooms and offices at Okota Police Station in Ago.
“We have been embarking on massive projects in the past but, for this year, we decided to do a project that will outlive us.
“We are building a block of classrooms and offices for the police at Ago/Okota and we are already at the foundation level. We decided not to renovate but to plant a seed that will outlive us,” he said.
He promised that he would complete and inaugurate the building before the end of his tenure, even as some people have expressed doubts that he might only start but would not be able to complete it before his tenure expires.
He called members and well-meaning Nigerians to support the club in achieving its programmes and projects this year. “Please, support this laudable project. Some people have taunted that ‘he can only start but he will not finish it.’ But, I know the God I serve; I will finish it before the end of my tenure. I don’t make empty promises. By the grace of God, this project will be completed and commissioned this year,” he said.
In his valedictory speech, Nnanna Achiugo, the immediate past president of the club, reeled out the achievements of his tenure to include community service projects under the maternal and child health project, membership seminar, economic empowerment, free medical outreach and vocational service project, among others.
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He noted that one of the greatest achievements of the club under his leadership was the District Governor’s Outstanding Projects awards for the impactful and valuable projects executed by the club during the magic year.
He expressed confidence in the new president, stressing that the Club did not make any mistake in making him the president. He noted that the new president attracted over 80 percent of the Club’s members.
He expressed gratitude to past presidents, Francis Opute and Cynthia Ekwueme; the club’s AG, Allan Umezue and Club’s adviser, Francis Ogugua, for their wisdom, encouragement and cooperation.
In his lecture, the guest speaker, Dr Dako Mamudu, harped on the need for regular medical check-ups, especially for those above 40 years of age.
Speaking on the topic, ‘Extending life and improving quality of life in Nigeria,’ he decried the low life expectancy in Nigeria, noting that countries that were on the same page with Nigeria some years back now have higher life expectancy, ranging from 70 and above, while that of Nigeria remains at 60 years and below.
He attributed the low life expectancy in Nigeria to poor infrastructure and poor governance, calling on the country’s leadership to sit up and improve the living condition of citizens.
He advocated for preventive health care, saying, “Nigerians should be encouraged to do certain tests, such as prostate tests regularly, especially for people above 40 years of age. Test for prostate should be done at least once every year.”
Noting that life in some other countries starts at 60, he said: “We must do something to improve life expectancy in Nigeria.”
Also speaking, the District Governor, Prince Henry Akinyele, extolled the club for what it has been able to achieve in just four years. He expressed confidence in the Club’s ability to achieve a mega status before the end of the year.
He said the Club had achieved in four years what most clubs that have existed for over 40 years could not achieve. “I have no doubt that the club will achieve a mega status in a few years. The club is just four years old but it has achieved what clubs that have existed for over 40 years have not been able to achieve.
“We have visited about 40 Rotary Clubs officially and I can say that in terms of service projects, membership net and contributions to rotary foundation, this is a club to reckon with. So, I am very confident that the club will grow and grow so fast to become a mega club before the end of this year,” he said.
In his comment, the pioneer president and Charter President, Francis Opute commended the immediate past president, Achiugo for his sterling performances. He commended him for prudent management of the Club’s finances; a development that made him to leave over N10 million in the Clubs‘s purse.
He noted that if it was possible, he would have been asked to continue but since it is not possible in the doctrine of the Rotary, “we can only ask him to invest his magic spirit in his successor. I pray and believe that very soon we will become a mega Club.”
He also advised the new president to tap from Achiugo’s wisdom, dedication and commitment, as he leads the Club for the next one year.
