Rotary District 9112 Governor Femi Adenekan Unveils Ambitious Life-Changing Projects at Installation Ceremony

The inaugural Governor of Rotary International (RI) District 9112, Rotarian Femi Adenekan, has announced that the new Rotary year, which began on July 1st, will feature numerous transformative projects.

During his installation ceremony at the Balmoral Event Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, Adenekan revealed plans for significant interventions, including the star project: constructing and furnishing a vocational and technical center for youths, valued at N220 million.

Succeeding Rotarian Ifeanyi Rita Ejezie, the final Governor of RI District 9110 (from which RI Districts 9111 and 9112 emerged), Adenekan outlined additional initiatives for the year. These include a coastal restoration project involving the planting of coconut trees and other flora along the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos and Ogun States.

He announced that the coastal restoration event would take place next Sunday at the oceanfront of the Atlantic Ocean.

His words: “We expect to have 1,000 Rotarians planting trees simultaneously. We plan to invest over N20 million in this initiative.”

Adenekan also shared that the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy will be held at Sea School, Apapa in August.

“Our goal is to develop, empower, and train over 500 youths aged 14 to 25, preparing them for future leadership roles. We aim to spend over N20 million on this program,” he said.

The new District Governor set an ambitious membership goal for the 2024-2025 Rotary year, aiming for a 30% increase and the formation of 25 new clubs. He extended an invitation to guests at the event to join the Rotary family.

Regarding The Rotary Foundation (TRF), Adenekan set a goal to raise $1.2 million in the new year, highlighting TRF’s leadership in polio eradication since 1985.

“Our Foundation has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for over 14 years. I urge you to consider donating to The Rotary Foundation through District 9112,” he said.

Adenekan called on the audience to continue supporting Rotary with their generous donations, as the organization strives to empower communities, foster goodwill, and create life-changing opportunities.

“We look forward to the years ahead with enthusiasm. Let us renew our commitment to Rotary with the vision of advancing peace, promoting health and education, and alleviating poverty,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to past leaders, particularly the former District Governors, for their dedication to humanitarian service.

“We are building upon 38 years of growth and development in membership, service projects, public image, and commitment to The Rotary Foundation. We stand on the shoulders of giants as we begin District 9112,” he said.

Adenekan reminded fellow Rotarians of the RI theme for 2024-2025, unveiled last January by RI President Stephanie Urchick.

“With the theme, ‘The Magic of Rotary,’ she urged us to create the magic of Rotary with every completed project, every dollar donated to The Rotary Foundation, and every new member admitted to Rotary,” he said.

The event was filled with glitz and glamour, with celebrated musician and songwriter 9ice (real name: Abolore Adegbola Akande) entertaining the audience.

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