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…marks 121 year anniversary, highlight achievements
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Rotary International has disclosed that it has over 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries strategically positioned to work on projects like polio eradication, promote peace, and support education and healthcare services.
It mentioned that, in Nigeria, there are six districts with over 500 Rotary Clubs spread over the districts, and over 9, 000 Rotarians of men and women who are also working assidously to render life-saving and transforming services to the humanity.
Dr. Joy Nky Okoro, the District Governor, Rotary International D9127, stated this at a press in Abuja, to herald the 2026 Rotary Day Celebration.
“Additionally, we have over 3, 000 youths known as Retractors and Interactors in secondary schools, and even rota kids in primary schools. The aim of this criteria or structure is to groom them young into learning how to share and serve humanity,” she said.
She stated that Rotary International’s core values are service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership, while their projects often focus on making a tangible difference in local communities and globally.
She maintained that the Rotary International’s humanitarian projects and global initiatives are a big part of the organisation’s desired focus. “For instance, polio eradication is one of our biggest successes. It was a deliberate effort to wipe out polio worldwide.
“Since 1988, Rotary’s Polio Plus program has helped reduce polio cases by 99.9 per cent globally, with only a handful of countries still reporting cases.
“Other initiatives are the Rotary Peace Fellowships that was designed to support people working towards peace and conflict resolution; as well as the Rotary Youth Exchange that helps to connect young people across countries for cultural exchange.
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“There is also the Community Service Projects where local clubs tackle issues like literacy, healthcare, and disaster relief. Also, our community service projects are top niche and unique. They are all about making a difference, locally and globally.”
Mohammed Adama, the President-nominee and District Chair, Rotary Day Celebration, in his remarks recalled that when Rotary began its activities some 121 years ago, it did not began with wealth, power, or global influence. Rather, it began with four people, who believed that friendship could become service, and service could become transformation.
“Here in FCT, Abuja, those four voices have multiplied into thousands across our Rotary International District 9127. What began as a circle has become a movement. What began as an idea has become a global force for good. And that, dear Rotarians and Partners, is what we are celebrating.
“Today, we are not simply unveiling a Torch which reflects our collective destiny. This Torch is not made of wax, fire, or metal. Rather, it is made of commitment. It is fueled by service, and it is carried by every Rotarian and Rotaractor who has refused to look away from human need.
“This Torch represents the child who returned to school, the mother who received medical care, the youth who found leadership, the community that found hope. It is a Torch lit by sacrifice, protected by unity, and passed forward by faith. This is why today is different.
“Today is not owned by any club, it is owned by every heart that believes Rotary still matters.
Today is not about hierarchy, it is about humanity. Today is not about history alone, it is about the future we are daring to build together.”
Adama, however, noted that as President Nominee and District Chair of the Rotary Day Celebration (RODAC) Committee, 2025–2026 Rotary Year, he was optimistic that the future of Rotary in District 9127 will not be built by one generation alone, but by all generations standing together.
