Tandon charges Nigerians, others on patriotism

The Chairman, Rotary International District 9110 Governor Installation Planning Committee, Rotn. Sanjeev Tandon has urged Nigerians and other nationals resident in the country, to be patriotic and dogged in their strides to re-discover the immense economic and political potential in the country.

He also urged them to genuinely galvanize such for the economic and political transformation of the country, noting that leaders in authority must create positive will for the political and economic growth, to make Nigeria great among the comity of vibrant economically buoyant nations.

Tandon, who said these during his courtesy call on the monarch of Odogbolu, Oba Adedeji Onagoruwa, at his palace in Odogbolu, Ogun State, also pleaded with the leaders in authority to create a viable enabling environment with roadmap to effectively access the numerous untapped potential for the development of the country.

The former President, Rotary Club of Lagos Island, extolled the sterling virtues of the monarch and the rich history of Odogbolu, as well as the highly revered indigenes of the town, and other notable personalities that passed out from the Odogbolu Grammar School.

He reminded the Kabiyesi of his pledge to the school on behalf of his previous club, the Rotary Club of Lagos Island, as well as inauguration of other community empowerment programmes to alleviate their plights, through the assistance of the Indian Community resident in Nigeria, Rotary International District 9110 and the Inner Wheel District 911, among others.

Welcoming the guests, the monarch, Oba Onagoruwa, expressed gratitude to Tandon for his gestures, especially the donation of the Odogbolu Grammar School’s Science Laboratory equipment and valuable furniture by the Rotary Club of Lagos Island, under his Presidency and the financial pledge to the indigent pupils of the school at the commissioning by the retired Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya (Rtd), an old student of the school, on the occasion.

The monarch promised to bestow a traditional title on Tandon, as a sign of the community’s appreciation, along with his wife, Rotn. Geetika, as soon as all arrangements are completed for the event.

It will be recalled that the Rotary Club of Lagos Island during his tenure (2018-2019 Rotary year), rose to become the only Rotary Mega Club in Africa, in the history of Rotary International and also won 11 prestigious awards out of 13 awards presented at the 2018 Annual District 9110 Conference held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Highlight of the visit was the donation of food items and toiletries to the community, to cushion the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.