By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
As part of its effort to promote humanitarian deeds in Nigeria, Rotary Club of Lagos West, District 9110, has launched a book, titled “Humanitarian service at 41.” The club decided to launch a book in order to document and celebrate its over four decades of successfully serving humanity. The event took place in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos.
The book highlighted the club’s various projects and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people in their host community and environs.
Past assistant governor, Lateef Afodun, who chronicled the journey of the club, said it was a testament to its sacrifices, commitment and achievements over four decades.
Afodun premised the motivating factor of the club on the mission and vision to create a lasting impact in the community where it operates.
He said, “We have done many projects that have affected the lives of people in our community and environs. We have equally partnered with some other clubs and districts to execute some of the projects.
“We sank eight boreholes when we partnered with a Rotary Club in Florida, U.S. We donated some items to the Braille centre in Isolo, collaborated with the Rotary Club of Lagos years ago, and equally solicited funds from individuals to achieve it.
“Also, we have done so much for others, including the recent surgeries carried out where 45 indigent Nigerians benefitted from the act of kindness. Our club is giving to humanity in order to bring succour to them.
“The club decided to document all our humanitarian deeds, so we can have our history preserved. We are leaving a legacy for the younger ones to fall back on and uphold the vision. Some of our members have passed on and others relocated.”
According to him, the book has 12 chapters, with 262 pages, which has the root of Rotary club, how it started 119 years ago, when it came to Nigeria and the inception of the club, all the club’s achievements, the year it was charted and all the 41 presidents.
He urged other clubs in the zone to emulate them as they are the clubs in Amuwo-Odofin locality that have documented their humanitarian deeds of over 40 years.
The district governor-elect has pledged to replicate their achievements.
President of the club, Omolara Akinsanya, described the 41 years of its existence as monumental, full of achievement with trophies as overall second best club in 2012. Their president in that year, Omotunde Lawson, won best president at the district level.
Akinsanya added that the club was chartered on April 8, 1983, and has carried out significant and notable projects that have impacted the community.
She, however, noted that all the accolades for the club’s achievements should first of all go to the founding fathers of the club, who laid its solid foundation, among whom are charter president and past district governor, Joseph Sanwo; first female district governor, Omotunde Lawson, and Lateef Afodun, among others.
She recalled various notable projects carried out by the club to include the donation of hospital equipment to Mother and Child, Medical Centre, Mile 2, construction of boreholes, empowerment schemes, scholarship, sick bays for schools and dental care materials for schools, among others.
She disclosed that the club, in its future projects, among others, would be looking at youth development, in line with modern trends and culture and re-shaping their ideas.
While reviewing the book, district governor elect, Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi, said the 262 -chapter book is loaded with uncommon and laudable achievements, the proof of the club as an undisputable champion over the spread of 41 years, having carried out various projects covering the Rotary International seven areas of focus.
Kukoyi while reeling out the clubs achievements, stated that they have produce two DGs, the first female district governor, many club presidents and have done a lot of projects both here in Nigeria and outside the country.
Assistant governor of the club, Rotarian Alex Alexander Geonlebedum, noted that the book serves as a tribute to the dedication and passion of all those involved in the club over the years. He said: “It is a testament to the power of collective action and the impact that a small group of dedicated individuals can have on the world”.
Geonlebedum promised that proceeds from the book will be used to support future humanitarian projects.
