On Sunday 23rd, July 2017, the Inner Wheel District 911 Nigeria had a new District Chairman installed, at a very classy event held at The Summit event centre, at Agidingbi area of Ikeja. She is IWM Adegbemisola Fathiat Amoke Rufai, a serving Director with the Lagos State government. She is coming in as the 34th District Chairman.
The event was well attended as the ceremony also witnessed the installation of the new 2017/2018 exco members like IWM Abimbola Shoga (Vice Chairman) Wemimo Olasanya (Immediate Past District Chairman), IWM Adenike Sodipo (Secretary), IWM Omolara Mohammed (Extension Service Chairman), IWM Funke Abiodun (Inter Service Organiser), IWM Olaronke Solomon (Treasurer) IWM Faith Opara (Editor).
For those who don’t know, International Inner Wheel is one of the largest Female Humanitarian Service Oriented Organisation. It is a non-governmenal, non-profit making consisting of distinguished and highly esteemed ladies who are committed to the cause of caring for the less privileged in our society. The fatherless, motherless, widows, widowers, orphans, physically challenged, the down trodden, hip replacement surgery for indigent people with sickle cell disorder, breast cancer awareness etc.
It was formed in Great Britain by Mrs. Margaret Oliver Golding a wife of a Manchester Rotarian. Presently it has a membership of over 103,000 with 3895 clubs in 103 countries and 173 Districts across the world.
The first Inner Wheel Club in Nigeria was fomed in 1966. Now we have 3 districts. District 911 consists of clubs in Lagos and Ogun State. District 913 consists of clubs in South Western States and North Western States while District 914 consists of clubs in South-South and South-Eastern States.
District 911 has 33 clubs out of the 66 Clubs in Nigeria and 370 members out of the 764 members. The leadership of the District changes hand Annually (1st of July 20 30th of June) and by the Grace of God Mrs. Adegbemisola Fathiat Amoke Rufai a serving Director in the Lagos State Public Service, will be installed as the 34th District Chairman she would be steering the wheel of District 911 for the Inner Wheel Year 2017/2018 having served at various capacities at the club and district levels. More so, 2017/2018 is tagged as the Double Golden Year of Inner Wheel in Nigeria.
The installation was so run as a fund raising event. The proceeds realised will be spent for our Humanitarian Projects that will alleviate the suffering of the less privileged people in our society.
Projects for the year are as follows:
(a) Training and Empowerment of Youths and Women across Lagos and Ogun State (b) Health Talk/Safety in Schools (c) Breast Cancer Sensitisation/Walk (d) Donation/Empowerment to Widow (e) Celebration of International Women’s Day (f) Celebration of International Inner Wheel Day (g) Rehabilitation/Renovation of Inner Wheel Vocational Centre, Amuwo, Lagos (h) Celebration of 50 years of the existence of Inner Wheel in Nigeria.
Who is the new Inner Wheel (District 911) Chairman? She is IWM Adegbemisola Fathiat Amoke Rufai (nee Aina-Balogun) she was born 4th August 1959 at Oko Awo, Lagos Island to Pa Sunmonu Amusa Aina, whose father hailed, from Tulebe Balogun Dodondawa Compound, Ibonwon, Epe and his mother from Isoku in Ijebu-Ode, while her mother Alhaja Osenatu Ajoke Aina (A.K.A. Alhaja Olorunkemi) was born into the royal house of Mohammadu Sanni Aderibigbe Ishola Gbongorbioko Ruling House in Offa and her mother a Fulani Princess from Ojoku both in Kwara State, they are both of blessed memory.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
‘Gbemisola has large appetite for knowledge and education. For almost 40 years (1968-2008) she went through various Schools/Institutions of learning- Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions. In all of these, she was exposed to varied Training and Vocational Institutions, which have made her a well-rounded, intelligent and experienced HR Practitioner, below are details:
Tertiary Institutions
Florida International University, Miami, USA, (M.Sc – Human Resource Mgt) -Jan 2008-Dec 2008; Lagos State University – Ojo, Lagos (MPA in Public Admin), 2005- 2006; University of Lagos, Akoka – Lagos – (M.Sc – Guidance and Counselling), 1998-1999; University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos – (Post Graduate Diploma in Education) 1996-1997; University of Ibadan, (UI), Ibadan- (B.A. (Hons.) Theater Arts) – 1983-1986; Lagos State College of Science and Technology (Now Lagos Poly), Isolo, Lagos – (G.C.E. ‘A’ Level)- 1981-1982.
Secondary
Baptist Secondary School Obanikoro, Ikorodu Road, Lagos – 1979-1980 (G. C. E.’O’ Level); Archdeacon Crowther Memorial; Girls Secondary School Elelenwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State – 1974-1978 (W.A.S.C.E.).
Primary
St. Patrick Primary School, Lagos Island, Lagos State- 1968-1970; Fadeyi Primary School Fadeyi, Lagos – 1970-1971; St. Cyprian Primary School, Hospital Road, Port Harcourt (First School Leaving Certificate) -1971-1974.
WORK EXPERIENCE
After the compulsory National Youth Service, she was engaged and has since been serving the Lagos State
Government. Her services, over two’ and half decades has exposed her to workings in various ministries
including education, as listed below;
*Lagos State Audit Service Commission 2017 -Till Date (Director Recruitment & Appeal)
*College of Health Technology, 8 Harvey Road, Yaba 2016-2017 (Registrar/Director Admin. & HR)
*Office of Establishments and Training 2015-2016 (Director, Admin Human & Resource)
*Ministry of Rural Development 20 12- 2015 (In Charge of Secretariat/Gen. Admin)
*Ministry of Youths, Sports and Social Development 2010- 2012 (Secretariat/Gen. Admin)
*Ministry of Finance 2005-2010 (Admin. Officer in Charge of Secretariat/Gen. Admin)
* Lands Bureau 2001-2005 (Admin. Officer in charge of Secretariat/Training)
* Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development 1999-2001 (Administrative Officer)
*Ikeja High School 1994-1999 (Year Tutor SSSI) Ogba Grammar School 1989-1994 (Class Room Teacher)
MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES
A Certified Member of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Member, Society of Human Resource Management, (SHRM, Miami, USA).
Apart from large appetite for knowledge, she is naturally gifted in cookery and culinary works, this she demonstrates domestically and even professionally as reflected in the fortune of BOBI PARTY MART.
She is a dedicated social worker, meticulous organizer of youth activities and is widely travelled (Locally and
Internationally) both in her professional life and in Inner Wheel, attending Inner Wheel Conventions.
INNER WHEELACTIVITIES/POST HELD
She joined Inner Wheel Club of Oregun in 1989 when her husband was inducted into Rotary Club of Oregun she however moved to Inner Wheel Club of Ogba in 1992 and as participated actively in both Club and District level ever since then as follows:
Chairman (District 911) 2017/2018; Vice Chairman 2016/2017; Chairman Charismas Funfair 2 0 1 5 1 2 0 1 6 ; District Treasurer 2013/2014; District Editor 2012/2013; Chairman Campaign on implications of Drug Abuse in Schools 2012/2013; President IWC Ogba 201112012; Chairman talk on Prevention of Youth SEXUALITY In Schools -200112002; Chairman Gift of sight and Prevention of Blindness 2010/2011; Chairman’s Representative 2006/2007; Chairman Charismas Funfair
2005/2006; District International Service Organizer 200412005; President IWC Ogba 200112002; Vice President IWC Ogba 2000/2001; Secretary IWC Ogba 1999/2000;Treasurer IWC Ogba 199511998;Club Correspondence IWC Ogba 1992/1993 ;Club Correspondence IWC Oregun 1989/1992.
ACHIEVEMENTS
She is a workaholic, a goal-getter, ambitious but diligent in delivering her responsibilities, obedient Civil Servant a full Director who readily mentor, teach and lead her subordinates in achieving greater heights. This had earned her two letters of Commendation in the Service of Lagos State Government one on 9th November 201 0 and a recent one on 10th March 20 1 7.
She had equally won several awards in Inner Wheel due to her goo. human nature and ready to work
attitude. The Awards are listed thus:
District Meritorious Award – Committee Chairman Christmas Funfair 2015//2016. *Appreciation Service Award – Certificate Presentation 2011/2012. *Distinguished Service Award – Best District Project
2011/2012. *Appreciation Service Award – Certificate Presentation 2010/2011. *Appreciation Service *Award – Plague Presentation 2007/2008. *Distinguished Service Award – Best District Chairman’
Representative 2006/2007. *Distinguished Service Award – District Chairman Relax
Christmas Funfair 2005/2006. *Appreciation Service Award – District Selfless Service to Humanity 2005/2006. *Appreciation Service Award – District Selfless Support 2004/2005. *Appreciation Service Award – Certificate Presentation 2003/2004. *Appreciation Service Award – Certificate Presentation. 2002/2003. *Distinguished Service Award – Best District President 200112002. *Distinguished Service Award – Best District Project 200112002. *Unique Service Award. Plague Presentation 199711998.
FAMILY LIFE
She is happily married to her husband of over 30 years-
Rot (Arc) Abiodun Rufai. The marriage is blessed (amongst other things) with Two Sons and One Daughter. They are Arc. Damola Rufaii, Chartered Acct. Adunni Rufai, and Arc. Toluwalase Rufai. ‘Gbemisola radiates warmth and love around her family/space, she equally enjoys tremendous affection and support from
her husband and the children, extended family members, friends and colleagues also cherish the joyful
ambience and camaraderie she creates around her environment.
HOBBIES
IWM Gbemisola Rufai loves watching movies, listening to music, gardening and assisting the needy in the society. She is an extrovert, a team player/leader, makes friends easily and has global views on issues.
HER PLANS
At the installation, she revealed her plans. “It is with honour and humility that I stand here before you this beautiful day Sunday 23rd July, 2017. I will say it is ALLAH’s appointed day as such I acknowledge with great enthusiasm your good wishes for me by witnessing my Installation as the 34’h District Chairman of this great Club for year 2017/2018 which coincides with the 50’h year Anniversary of INNER WHEEL in Nigeria thus: made it The Golden Year with the ,Theme-”Leave a lasting Legacy”. Together with my Executives we shall carry the flag of togetherness, hardwork,
leadership and encouragement to greater heights by enlarging the appetite of goodness and forthrightness in our society and by touching the hearts of the needy in such a way that it will “Leave a lasting Legacy” in our tomorrow for the less privilege. From my profile you have seen that I have traveled the length and breadth of Nigeria as an Inner Wheel Club member and had held various posts at various times within the club level and the District Level to carry out humanitarian responsibility within our society. The experiences gathered from various posts held and societies/people interacted with over the years will surely spur me into positive action throughout the tenure of our administration.
From the Theme for the year “Leave a lasting Legacy” we intend through the Star Projects to execute the following programmes:
(1.) Training and empowerment of Youths and Women: Establishing and leaving a lasting legacy by training Youths, widows and the vulnerable In our society the training sessions will lead to good citizenship and economic empowerment.
(2.) Also Health Talk/Safe Schools: With recent happenings in our society on kidnapping of school children we intend to establish rapport with the students, teachers and parents by going to school with this project through the method of “each one teach one.”
- Breast cancer sensitization/walk: We intend to create awareness by first sensitizing the populace by
creating a Road show that entails walking through the city of Lagos and Abeokuta. Television and Radio
Programs/Shows geared towards educating women about Prevention, Management and cure for Breast
Cancer shall also be organized.
All these we cannot do alone. We therefore seek for your assistance by donating generously to these our humanitarian projects to alleviate the suffering of the less privilege in our Society.
I am delighted to inform you that this Inner Wheel year is tagged the GOLDEN YEAR hence the Chairman is given the title Golden Legacy Chairman so also and her Executives are called Golden Legacy Exco. For this singular honour we will appreciate that you donate generously as this year will be witnessing the Renovation of our Vocational Centre, at Amuwo Odofin which we intend to showcase to our International Inner Wheel President on her scheduled visit to Nigeria in April 20 18.
At this juncture, permit me to formally Inform you that District 911 Nigeria has been the leading Inner Wheel District in Nigeria, for the first time in the history of International Inner Wheel, a distinguished member of District 911 an African and a Lagosian (from Imota) was crowned the President of International Inner Wheel 2016/2017, I hereby happily and humbly introduce IIW IPP Oluyemisi Alatise to this August gathering.
She is a great ambassador of District 911 Nigeria and indeed of Africa, we are proud of her achievements and records of service. We cannot afford to lower the standards set by our predecessors.
Conclusively, it is a service-year loaded with programmes and activities which my Executives and I are passionate to execute to the Glory of God and Service of Mankind. Needless to say that your moral and financial support will go a long way not only to ease our tasks but will assist us in leaving behind incredible “lasting Legacies” for our society and humanity at large. Please join hands with us and together we can create a Happier Future By His Grace.
To everyone here present today and all those who would have been in this hall too but for one reason or the other were not able to make it I say thank you because without you all today cannot be a success story. To all my beautiful inner Wheel sisters in service and especially the College of Past District Chairmen my deep appreciation to you all, you are wonderful. Immense gratitude to our awardees, distinguished guests of honour and the Kabiyesis.
To my darling husband who has been the solid pillar of support and blessings to me, words cannot describe your love and will to make this occasion a success. I cherish your unflinching support always thank you LOVE. My children for being there to back and pray for me all the time “MOMMY G” says thank you for your love and my sisters and brothers on both sides of my family THANK YOU.
Thank you all.
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