The District Governor, Rotary International, District 9111, Prince Henry Akinyele, has lauded the Maternal and Child Care and Economic Development programme of Rotary Club of FESTAC Town, describing it as impactful and encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of it.
Speaking during his visit to the club, he said that he felt so honoured and delighted to witness the very impactful projects being executed by the Rotary Club of FESTAC Town.
He said: “Apart from the pregnancy kits donated to the pregnant mothers at the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Primary Health Centre, Amuwo Odofin, they also empowered the women in their community with pop corn machines, grinding machine and sewing machines. And looking at these two projects, the first one falls under maternal and child -care is one of the areas of focus of Rotary. The other one is under Economy and Community Development, which is the empowerment of women in the community as well. This is a very impactful project and will allow the beneficiaries to earn a better living, and by extension, be able to also put food on the table of their families.
“ I want to encourage the beneficiaries to make proper use of the equipment given to them, sustainability is important to Rotary. It will also be a source of encouragement to the Rotary Club of Festac if those things are put in good use, they will be able to do more for them. I also want to encourage Rotary Club of Festac Town to continue to impact their community. To continue doing good in the world. I look forward to other projects that will be executed by the club as we journey in the new Rotary year 2025-2026.”
He also promised to ensure the completion of the the project by Rotary Club of Maryland at Mother and Child Hospital in Festac. He recalled that the project was started by the club and the club is yet to complete it.
He was also impressed that a member of the Club Rotarian Nkechiyere Agbah will be doing her wedding with another member of the club Rotarian Ositadimma Ndibe on September 20.
The United President of Rotary Club of Festac Town, Rotarian Sir Henry Okey Onyinna disclosed that Rotary is an humanitarian and service organization. It believes in service to God and to humanity.
“What Rotary stands for is service to humanity and this is one of the things we have come here to do today. The programme is under what we called Maternal and Child Care. Expectant mothers have the opportunity to know how to take care of their babies.
“I am aware for some of them this is not their first time but I believe for some is their first pregnancies. So it is an awareness Rotary is creating which is under our focus area of service. Our theme for this year says we should unites for good.
He said that the Rotary Club of Festac Town was chartered on December 2 1982. And for over four decades they are still a shining example of Rotary values in action from health initiative to youth development.
“Our club has touched countless lives. We are especially proud of our numerous impactful projects. And the steady growth in membership reflecting both our community engagement and internal strength. This Rotary year under the inspiring theme: unites for good we are reminded of our responsibility to build bridges across cultures and communities. Here in Festac Town we are embracing this theme by focusing on project that brings people together through passion, service and empowerment”.
He added that his club is taking deliberate steps to improve Maternal and Child health. “We distributed clean and safe delivery kits to over 30 pregnant women. Which we carried out this afternoon at Amuwo Odofin Maternal and Child Care.
He noted that economic inclusion is a powerful tool for unity and peace. “That is why we have launched targeted empowerment programme to this regard. We gave sewing machines, grinding machines, popcorn machine which we distributed to indigent people within our community. As we strive to unite for good let us remember that every act of kindness, every life uplifted and every life extending in service bring us one step closer to the peace and just world we all envisioned.”
The Chief Nursing Officer of Senator Oluremi Tinubu Primary Health Centre, Mrs Uhegbu Isabella who was the guest speaker spoke about supporting healthy pregnancies. She said that Rotary Club of Festac Town is happy to have the pregnant mothers all around. “It is that time of the year when the club gives back to the society. Today they are reaching out to the mother and the child. A pregnant woman is special because she is carrying in her womb future leaders. A healthy pregnancy is not just about carrying babies is about giving the mother and the child the possible start in life. “
One time district governor and a member of the club, Rotarian Richard Giwa Osagie said that pregnant mothers are mothers of the nation. “Babies are future leaders of the nation. We must take care of them. That is why every year most clubs try to lend a hand towards this area of focus. Today you have received these birth kits which are very important. Rotary Club worldwide will continue to assist the community. That is our goal.”
