• As Bakare Is Installed As District Governor

Traditional rulers and other stakeholders have commended Rotary International for its humanitarian contributions, describing the organisation as a model of selfless service and community development.

The commendations were made at the installation of entrepreneur, the Chief executive of Around ‘D’ Clock Security Company Limited, Mrs Bukola Olabisi Bakare, as District Governor of Rotary International District 9111 at a ceremony held over the weekend.

Among those who paid tribute to Rotary International were the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, and the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal, Abisogun III.

Oba Haastrup described Rotary members as individuals who devote their personal resources to improving the lives of others, noting that their commitment exemplifies true sacrifice.

The Oniru also praised Rotary members for their dedication to community service without seeking personal gain, urging corporate organisations to strengthen partnerships with the organisation to expand its development initiatives.

He called on traditional rulers across the country to work more closely with Rotary, stressing that sustainable development requires collaboration among governments, traditional institutions and development partners.

According to him, traditional rulers now play broader roles in governance and community development beyond preserving culture and customs.

He cited projects attracted to Iruland through partnerships with government agencies and private organisations, saying improving people’s welfare remains central to development.

“Let us build bridges instead of barriers,” the monarch said, expressing confidence that Bakare would deliver on her vision during her one-year tenure. He also made a financial donation to support Rotary’s programmes.

Delivering the keynote address, former Managing Director of First Bank Plc, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, spoke on the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Rotary’s Four Way Test, stressing that technology should not replace integrity, honesty and other ethical values.

He said while AI would continue to shape society, its impact would ultimately depend on the integrity of those who develop, regulate and deploy it.

“Artificial intelligence may shape this century, but character will determine what this century becomes,” he said.

In her acceptance speech, Bakare appealed to individuals, corporate organisations and development partners to support Rotary District 9111’s humanitarian projects, which have a budget of over N1.4 billion for the 2026/2027 Rotary year.

She said the district’s flagship project would be the construction of a 60-bed Wellness Centre valued at N800 million at the Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.

Bakare explained that the fundraising campaign was aimed at mobilising resources for projects that would deliver lasting benefits to communities across the district.

The immediate past District Governor, Prince Henry Akinyele, highlighted achievements recorded during his tenure, including the establishment of 12 new Rotary clubs, membership growth, expanded community service projects, contributions of more than $336,000 to The Rotary Foundation, the donation of a building to the Peace Institute at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, and hosting the Rotary International President for the first time in the district’s history.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; Senator Wasiu Eshilokun, representing Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; the Olofin of Ilisan-Remo, Oba Mojeed Olufemi Sonuga; Nigeria’s first Rotary District Governor, Prince Juli Adelusi-Adeluyi; Rotary International President 2026-2027, Yinka Babalola; Rotary Foundation Trustee, Rotarian Ijeoma Okoro; past District 9111 Governor, Dr Wole Kukoyi; District 9111 Governor-elect, Dr Samuel Ayetutu; District Governor- nominee, Rotarian Ade Adenekan; and other Rotary leaders.