PRESIDENT of Rotary International, Francesco Arezzo, has called on Nigerian leaders and citizens to place peace, selflessness and brotherly love at the centre of national life as a pathway to overcoming insecurity and other socio-economic challenges confronting the country.

Arezzo, who is on his maiden visit to Nigeria alongside his wife, Maria Arezzo-Criscione, made the call while addressing journalists and Rotarians at the Rotary Centre, Ladoke Akintola, Lagos, before he met with the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu.

At the meeting at the Rotary centre, the District Governor, District 9111, Prince Henry Akinyele; District Governor, District 9112, Lanre Adedoyin, Arezzo’s Nigerian successor after his tenure, Olayinka Babalola, past district governors and members from the two districts, as well as Rotarians from other districts, welcomed the International President.

Describing Nigeria as a nation of “wonderful people” with immense potential, the Rotary President stressed that everything Rotarians do across the globe revolves around peace and service to humanity.

Speaking at the event, the incoming Nigerian President of Rotary International, Olayinka Babalola, said Rotary was growing and thriving across Africa, with Nigeria leading in membership strength and philanthropic impact.

In his remarks, Adedoyin described Arezzo’s visit as a landmark event that would energise members and reinforce Rotary International’s support for Nigeria’s service projects, while Akinyele said the President’s five-day visit underscored the global body’s recognition of the strength and relevance of the Rotary family in Nigeria.