The Rotary Foundation has announced that it has marked its 120th anniversary with a renewed call for selfless giving, urging Nigerians to make a lasting impact through philanthropy.
Speaking at the Rotary Foundation Dinner & Dance, themed “Rotary Foundation: The Heart of Giving,” organised by District 9112, recently in Lagos, the former Lagos Commissioner and Colenson Group founder, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, lauded Rotary International for its global humanitarian efforts.
He described the organisation as a beacon of hope, kindness, and compassion, emphasising its role in transforming millions of lives.
In his address, the District Governor Rotarian, Olufemi Adenekan, who is also the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Afem Publishers, expressed deep gratitude to donors for their unwavering support.
Adenekan highlighted how The Rotary Foundation, since its inception in 1917, has funded thousands of life-changing projects, including polio eradication, education, healthcare, and community development.
“We have seen communities transformed, lives, and opportunities created because of the generosity of donors,” Adenekan stated. “Rotary continues to be a force for good, and we must sustain this momentum.”
Also, the event’s Planning Committee Chairman, Rotarian Omotunde Olaleye, a past president of the Rotary Club of Victoria Garden City, urged attendees to support Rotary’s core humanitarian focus areas, which include promoting peace, fighting diseases, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, and enhancing education.
“Your contributions help us empower communities, foster global understanding, improve health outcomes, and create educational opportunities,” Olaleye remarked.
Among the award recipients were Asiwaju Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, Olori Amb. (Dr.) Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, Elder Urum Kalu Eke, Anthony and Pharm. Silvia Onwuere, and Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group.
Others honoured included former Guinness Nigeria MD and Algorithm Media CEO, Seni Adetu; Chief (Mrs.) Maria Phillips; Bashorun Peter Ogunbayo; Dr. Augustine Onwumere; and Michael Ikenga, CEO of ITStack Limited.
It noted that founded in 1917 with a $26.50 donation from the Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri, the Rotary Foundation has evolved into one of the world’s most respected humanitarian organisations.