Rotary District 9110 charges Alatise, Inner Wheel’s first black president on legacy

Alatise (left), Ikheloa, his wife Zeinab, Adelusi-Adeluyi and District Governor elect, Dr. Wale Ogunbadejo at the reception.

It was a day of honour for the first African International President of Inner Wheel, Mrs. Oluyemisi Alatise, when she was hosted by Rotary International, District 9110 at Jonathan Majiyagbe’s House, Rotary Centre, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, the district headquarters dedicated to the first African Rotary International President.

The District Governor, Rotn. Patrick Ikheloa, remarked that it was a great honour to host someone, who has through her dint of hard work and dedication at Inner Wheel got elected to lead the women of substance in the world.

“We, Rotarians in District 9110 welcome you and congratulate you for this great privilege and opportunity to lead and serve. I also consider it a great privilege that it is during my tenure as the Governor, that we also have a Nigerian and the first black lady elected to lead the world of women as International President of Inner Wheel.

“Your election has again proved to the world that positive stories can emanate from this corner of the world. You have again promoted the image of the black race among the white. For this reason we pray to Almighty God to guide you, direct you, provide for you, give you strength and good health so that this position that you have attained will bring change to the world of women and that by the time you are stepping down, Nigeria and the black race would have cause to celebrate you” he said.

The former Minister of Health and Past District Governor, Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, said Alatise deserved to be celebrated and honoured by the array of Rotary International Past District Governors that gathered to welcome her.
He challenged her to do more than her predecessors as the first black woman to be elected to the exalted office.

Alatise, in her remarks, promised to make Africa and Nigeria proud, as she has started to promote the cause of Africans, especially Nigerians, at the United Nations.

“There is only one path for Inner Wheel to enter United Nations and the path is only reserved for me. I am pleased to tell you that I have increased the slot to six and two are drawn from Nigeria.”

She promised to address female genital mutilation as well as rights of women and girls that have been disadvantaged.

“I am publishing a book to address issues about women and children and have gathered 42 different articles from 32 countries of different abuses from different cultures.”