It was a day of purpose, fellowship, and impactful service as the Rotary Club of Akowonjo played host to the District Governor of Rotary District 9111, Rotarian (Prince) Henry Akinyele, on his official visit to the club. Accompanied by his entourage, the Governor was received with warmth and enthusiasm by Rotarians who came out in their numbers to mark the significant occasion.
The visit, which took place on Monday, August 4, 2025, was a well-orchestrated lineup of events that highlighted the club’s commitment to community service, leadership, and humanitarian outreach. Under the leadership of Rotarian David Amowie, the United President for the 2025, 2026 Rotary year, the day kicked off with a breakfast hour and an early gathering of members at the residence of Past District Governor Bola Onadeleja along Akowonjo Road.
By 9:45 am, the District Governor arrived at the Alimosho Local Government Secretariat, where he paid a courtesy visit to the Local Government Chairman. There, he was warmly received before hoisting the Rotary flags, a symbolic gesture affirming the enduring partnership between Rotary and government institutions in community development.
From the secretariat, the team proceeded to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Akeeb Adebowale Rauf, the Alaye of Orisunmibare/Agboti Kingdom. The royal visit served as a cultural exchange and an opportunity to foster ties with traditional institutions, emphasizing Rotary’s inclusive approach to leadership and service.
The humanitarian arm of the visit saw the District Governor and his entourage at the Little Saint Orphanage Home in Shasha, where they brought smiles to the faces of children through gifts, encouragement, and support. The compassion continued with a vocational visit to Krown Hospital on Alimosho Road, highlighting Rotary’s emphasis on health and wellness within the local community.
By mid-afternoon, the team departed for Airport Hotel for the second leg of the day’s activities. After a brief lunch break, the club’s Board of Directors met with the District Governor in a closed-door session to discuss club development strategies, upcoming projects, and avenues for greater impact within and beyond Akowonjo.
As the sun set, the atmosphere at Airport Hotel shifted to celebration and fellowship. Members arrived for the evening fellowship beginning with the official call to order by President David Amowie at 7:37 PM. Rotary Grace was said by all, followed by the Object of Rotary shared by President-Elect Rotarian Oladapo Bankole. The Four-Way Test was recited by Rotarian Chika Ibobo.
The President warmly welcomed all members and guests, with Rotarian Chika Ibobo introducing the invited guests. During his official address, President David Amowie expressed his appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the investiture ceremony and shared important updates for the new Rotary year. He emphasized ongoing projects such as the Maternal & Child Health Project, RYLA, club dues, and support for upcoming celebrations and events.
In his speech, the District Governor, Rotarian Prince Henry Akinyele, applauded the theme of the new Rotary year, Unite for Good, and said identifying with one’s club president is a sign of true unity. He described the moment during the investiture when almost all the members of the club wore the Edo State traditional attire as powerful and deeply symbolic. “Nothing comes close to uniting people than that, and I thank you all,” he said.
The DG went further to challenge all members to bring at least one new member into Rotary this year, adding an exciting incentive, a personal pledge of ₦500,000 to any member who raises half of the expected ₦1 million before the end of the Rotary year. He encouraged members to take this opportunity seriously as part of growing the club and deepening its impact.
He also called for strong support towards a key District project, the completion of a 60-capacity Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Centre at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU). He stressed that such a facility would be instrumental in equipping young people with peace-building skills, aligning with Rotary’s mission to promote peace and community development.
The fellowship continued with a lively song interlude, where Rotarian Taiwo Oladosu led the members in classic Rotary songs like My Grandfather’s Clock, The More We Are Together, and For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow. Laughter and nostalgia filled the air during the game segment, where Rotarian Chika Ibobo coordinated a fun “Old School Rhymes Challenge,” energizing the room with excitement.
The SAA session featured Rotarian Modupe Dafe as decorator and was conducted by Rotarian Bola Amosun, who was tasked with raising ₦400,000 for the evening. He was cheered on and financially supported by Rotarians Ajani Oluwatoyin and others.
The District Awards Presentation followed, where the Immediate Past District Governor honored deserving Rotarians including PDG Bola Anabadejo, Rtn. Alimi Babatunde, and PP Rtn. Victor Amaragebu. PDG Bola Anabadejo, in his remarks, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated the importance of Rotary’s mission and past successes, including District 9141’s top ranking during the 2024, 2025 Rotary year.
Another highlight of the evening was the induction of two new Rotarians into the Akowonjo family. Engr. Babatunde Adekunle and Dr. Ahmadu Fatimah Binta were formally welcomed and adorned with their Rotary pins, marking the beginning of their service journey. The induction was met with applause as members embraced them with cheer and encouragement, reflecting the club’s commitment to growth and inclusivity.
Just after the induction, a moment of pride and honor filled the hall as Media Personality and Chairman of Public Image for the club, Rotarian Oyinlola Sale PHF, was presented with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Certificate and Pin by District Governor Prince Henry Akinyele. The Paul Harris Fellow Award, one of Rotary’s highest recognitions, is given to individuals who donate $1,000 or more to the Rotary Foundation. The presentation was met with a standing ovation as members celebrated her generosity and commitment to service.
In appreciation for honoring the club’s invitation, the District Governor was also presented with a special gift by PAG, Dr Olukayode Akinlade on behalf of the club. The gesture was warmly received, marking a moment of mutual respect and gratitude between the club and the Governor.
The evening ended on a high note with a toast by Past Assistant Governor Gbenga Ojo, bringing a close to a day that truly embodied the spirit of Rotary, service, leadership, unity, and impact. The meeting officially ended at 9:28 PM.
This memorable day further solidified the Rotary Club of Akowonjo’s vision, to be united as a family and change lives by giving hope through effective humanitarian service delivery locally and internationally. The successful District Governor’s visit and vibrant evening fellowship reaffirmed the club’s commitment to driving meaningful change in the Akowonjo community and beyond.
