Former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran; former Nigerian Envoy to the United Nations, Ambassador Akinremi Bolaji, and others, on Monday said the emergence of Rotarian Olayinka Hakeem Babalola as President of Rotary International demonstrates that Nigerians possess the capacity to provide exemplary leadership on the global stage.

 

 

Adeniran, Bolaji and others spoke in Ibadan at a reception organised by the Jericho Businessmen Club (JBC) to honour Babalola following his election as President of Rotary International for the 2026/2027 Rotary year.

 

 

Describing Babalola’s rise from a grassroots member of Rotary to the organisation’s highest office as an extraordinary accomplishment, the former minister said the achievement should inspire Nigerians, especially the younger generation, to pursue excellence, integrity and selfless service.

According to him, Babalola’s emergence is worthy of celebration because it reflects Nigeria’s abundant human potential despite the country’s socio-economic challenges.

“It is someone who has risen from the local level to the international stage, from being an ordinary member to becoming the overall global leader. At this age, it is incredible—almost unbelievable,” Adeniran said.

 

 

“For us in Nigeria, this is an achievement that deserves to be celebrated. It demonstrates that Nigerians can attain the highest levels of global leadership through dedication, competence and selfless service.”

 

 

The former minister noted that Rotary International has earned worldwide recognition for its humanitarian interventions, particularly its campaign to eradicate polio, as well as programmes in education, healthcare, peacebuilding and community development.

 

 

He said Babalola’s leadership journey exemplifies the ideals of the organisation, having committed his professional expertise, time and personal resources to serving humanity rather than pursuing personal gain.

 

 

“The celebrant has chosen the path of service to humanity. He could have invested his energy and talents solely in pursuits that would benefit him personally, but instead he committed himself to improving the lives of others. That decision has earned him global recognition and respect,” he said.

 

 

Adeniran maintained that Babalola’s election was not only a personal triumph but also a source of pride for Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and Africa, adding that it projects a positive image of the country before the international community.

He urged young Nigerians to emulate Babalola by embracing volunteerism, ethical leadership and excellence in their chosen careers.

 

 

“When Nigerians are given opportunities, they excel. When entrusted with responsibility, they perform, and when empowered, they have the capacity to transform communities, nations and indeed the world,” he added.

 

Also speaking, former Nigerian Envoy to the United Nations, Bolaji, described Babalola’s emergence as further proof that excellence can come from Nigeria.

 

 

He said Nigerians should draw lessons from the Rotary leader’s commitment to making meaningful impact through service.

Chairman of the occasion, Arc. Samson Bamidele, described Babalola’s election as a rare privilege for Nigeria, saying the country was fortunate to produce the President of Rotary International.

 

 

In his welcome address, President of the Jericho Businessmen Club, Engr. Tunji Gafaar, said Babalola’s emergence had brought global recognition to Ibadanland, Oyo State, Nigeria and the African continent.

 

 

He described the new Rotary International President as a symbol of excellence, visionary leadership and selfless service, noting that his achievement would inspire future generations of leaders.

 

 

“This recognition did not come by chance. It is the result of years of dedication, hard work and an unwavering passion to make the world a better place. Your journey reminds us that with vision, discipline and commitment to service, greatness is within reach,” Gafaar said.

 

Responding, Babalola expressed appreciation to the club for the honour, describing the recognition by members of his home community as deeply gratifying.

“I feel deeply honoured by this recognition today. There is something truly special about being celebrated by your friends, family and members of your own community. I am sincerely grateful to the Jericho Businessmen Club for organising this event in my honour,” he said.

 

Babalola noted that he is only the second African and second Nigerian to serve as President of Rotary International, following the late Rotarian Bola Majiyagbe, who held the office in the 2003/2004 Rotary year.

 

Leading an organisation of more than 1.4 million members across over 200 countries and geographical areas, he said, was a tremendous honour and responsibility.

“This is not just a personal achievement or a Nigerian achievement; it is a victory for Africa, for Nigeria and indeed for my ancestral home, Ibadan. I am fully committed to delivering on the enormous responsibility entrusted to me, and I remain determined to make a lasting impact during my tenure,” Babalola added.

 

President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Adeniyi Ajewole, prayed for a successful tenure for the Rotary leader, expressing confidence that his administration would record remarkable achievements.

 

 

Delivering the keynote address, the Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland, Chief Adebayo Oyero, urged Babalola to focus on legacy projects capable of transforming lives long after his tenure.

 

He described Babalola as a distinguished humanitarian, accomplished engineer and global advocate for disease eradication, whose decades of service had earned him worldwide recognition within Rotary.

 

 

 

 

Oyero challenged the new Rotary President to ensure that his administration leaves enduring benefits for Nigeria and Africa, while also encouraging him to become more actively involved in the socio-economic development of his ancestral home, Ibadan.

 

 

He also urged the Jericho Businessmen Club to align its development programmes with the economic vision of the Olubadan of Ibadanland and champion the development of a 10-year economic blueprint for the ancient city.

 

 

Also speaking, Oloye Taofeek Adegoke Adegboyega commended Babalola for his outstanding humanitarian contributions and exemplary leadership.

 

 

 

 

Among dignitaries at the event were Oyo State Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo; Prof. Soji Adejumo; Kazeem Adetuntan; Chief Mojisola Ladipo; Chief Bola Dorothy; Barrister Adewole Oladejo, Taiwo Ladipo; and members of the Jericho Businessmen Club.