As part of its economic empowerment initiative, Rotary Club of Egbeda has distributed commercial grinding machines to five less-privileged women in the Isheri/Olofin communities in Lagos.

According to the organisation, this move is part of its strategic commitment aimed at fostering self-reliance and financial independence among women in communities where the club operates.

The initiative was also part of the programme lineup by the club to welcome the District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Rotarian (Mrs.) Bukola Bakare.

Speaking at the event, the Impact President of the Rotary Club of Egbeda, Ejide Lawal, said the club is committed to aligning with the district goals and key Rotary focus areas.

“Our major focus today was economic empowerment through the distribution of grinding machines to women selected directly from our community,” Ejide stated.

“Alongside this, our permanent center hosts an adult literacy programme to raise literacy levels, and our deep borehole project continues to provide clean, free-running water to residents daily. Moving forward, we are rolling out tree-planting campaigns for environmental care and expanding our vocational training programmes.

“My goal as Impact President is to leave a lasting legacy centered on sustainable community improvement, active conflict resolution, improved public health, and empowered adult education,” Ejide said.

District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Bukola Bakare, in her address during her official visit, called on members to drive a 50 per cent increase in membership, step up strategic contributions to The Rotary Foundation, and actively amplify the story of Rotary’s humanitarian impact.

Bakare said membership expansion should be the district’s primary internal priority for the year, tasking every Rotarian to serve as an active ambassador. To support this drive, the district introduced dedicated invitation cards to streamline community outreach and member recruitment across all demographics, with special emphasis on tapping into youth energy and creativity.

“There is no Rotary without resources and people. We need the young, the middle-aged, and the senior members,” said Bakare. “When you harness the ideas, creativity, and passion of young people together, the Rotary Club of Egbeda will be an even stronger force for good. The more members we have, the better we can serve our community with greater hands, broader ideas, and deeper resources.”

She emphasised the necessity of intergenerational collaboration within the club structure, urging the integration of younger professionals to drive innovation alongside experienced members.

“We need the young, the middle-aged, and the senior members, we need all of them. Young people bring fantastic ideas and passion, though execution can sometimes present a challenge. That is precisely why they have us. When you harness their creativity, ideas, and passion together with seasoned guidance, the Rotary Club of Egbeda will emerge as a stronger, more vibrant club,” she noted.

The district governor further emphasised the critical role of The Rotary Foundation, the charitable arm of Rotary International, in fostering the execution of quality community projects that positively impact communities.

She urged members to maintain consistent, intentional, and strategic financial contributions to the global pool, pointing out that local clubs cannot draw down global grants for major community interventions without actively participating in foundation funding.

She stressed the importance of public image and strategic storytelling to showcase how Rotarians support government efforts in reaching underserved populations.

During the visit, District Governor Bakare commended the Rotary Club of Egbeda for maintaining a permanent meeting centre utilised for community training, youth advocacy, and skill acquisition.