Rotary International has announced Yinka Babalola, a Nigerian, as its President for the 2026-2027 Rotary year.
 
Babalola’s emergence marks a historic milestone, making him only the second African, and the second Nigerian, to lead the global humanitarian organisation. 
 
The first was Jonathan Babatunde Majiyagbe, who served from 2003 to 2004.
 
A statement signed by the Rotary Public Image Coordinator, Africa Zone 22, Region 27, Ibim Semenitari, reads: “A member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, was selected by the Rotary International Board of Directors following the resignation of SangKoo Yun, who stepped down on health grounds. Babalola will formally assume office on July 1, 2026.”
 
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Babalola, an engineer, on his election as the President of Rotary International for the 2026/2027 calendar year.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga,  
“President Tinubu believes that Babalola’s elevation is a testament to his years of service through the Nigerian Society of Engineers and Rotary International, his laudable philanthropic initiatives and relentless pursuit of projects that have impacted lives, strengthened communities, and advanced peace, progress, and human dignity.”