Rotary Club of Maryland marks 13th anniversary of charter today

Rotary Club of Maryland, District 9110, always referred to as “The Hope of Rotary,” because of its vibrancy and uniqueness, will today celebrate the year it was chartered at Planet 1, Maryland, Lagos.

The President, Dapo Ogunlola said the club, which was formed on July 11, 2001 and was chartered by Rotary International on June 11, 2002 was the coming together Rotaractors, who were eager to become members of Rotary Club.

“Celebration of this anniversary becomes important because of the uniqueness of the club that was formed by the coming together of friends, who were predominantly youths and passionately wanted to become a Rotary Club.

“It was unusual but the then Past District Governor, Chief Charles Olumide Adebiyi was impressed by the desire of the youths and assented to their request to become a Rotary Club on July 11, 2001 under the Presidency of Bola Oyebade. The club was chartered the following year, June 11, 2002.

“It became the first of such clubs to be formed and earned the title “The Hope of Rotary”.
According to Ogunlola, the 13th President of the Club, has carried out a lot of activities and has got many awards.

“In 2002-2003 Rotary year, the Club was the third best club in producing Magazine/Bulletin, 2003-2004, the second best club in membership development and also the third best club in Public Relations among others.

“Some of the projects carried out during my tenure, include partnering with the Lagos State Waste Management Authorities to carry out a community wide monthly environmental sanitation exercise at Onigbongbo; renovation of Onigbongbo market toilet and provision of water; participation in the United Nation’s World’s AIDS Day by counselling and testing people at the Ojota Main Garage, where about 100 patients were counselled and screened; participated in polio immunization programme, engaged in vocational services.

“We also partner with Mende Health Centre and supply the centre 100 litres of diesel quarterly among others,” he said.
Ogunlola disclosed that the there would be gift of awards, including giving out of five sewing machines among other gifts during today’s a celebration.