The District Governor, the Chairman of this occasion, Our Guest Speaker, Fellow Rotarians , Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
IT is with profound gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as we usher in a new Rotary year under the inspiring theme: “Unite for Good.” This theme calls us to harness the power of collaboration, to strengthen our bonds, and to amplify our impact as we serve our communities. I am honoured to lead this exceptional club, and I pledge to work tirelessly alongside each of you to turn this vision into reality.
Celebrating Our Legacy, Embracing Our Future
Our club, chartered in 1961, stands on a foundation of service built by generations of Rotarians who embodied the spirit of Service Above Self. Their dedication has transformed lives, and their legacy reminds us that Rotary’s magic lies not in grand gestures alone, but in the collective power of small acts of kindness, multiplied by unity.
As Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo says, the theme Unite for Good calls on Rotary members to be a force for unity in a world often divided by various factors. He believes that through service projects, Rotary brings together people from all backgrounds to work towards a shared mission of doing good in their communities. This year, we will unite for good across every area of focus:
As we deliver service projects across our areas of focus the club shall drive its activities through its strategic priorities of:-
1. Membership Growth & Quality
o Rotary thrives when we bring in passionate, diverse voices. This year, let us grow our membership intentionally, inviting individuals who share our values and commitment.
o We will strengthen member engagement through mentorship, training, and meaningful roles in projects. Every Rotarian has a talent to contribute—let’s unlock it.
o Enhance Retention: We will implement a buddy system to ensure new members feel welcomed and valued, fostering long-term commitment to Rotary’s mission.
o Leverage Technology: Utilize digital platforms for virtual meetings and flexible participation, making Rotary accessible to busy professionals and younger generations.
2. Strategic Partnerships for Impact
o We will forge collaborations and partnerships with NGOs, businesses, and other development organisations to amplify our service projects and maximize our reach. Our goal is sustainable impact.
o We will diversify our sources of funding and actively seek funds from a diversified range of partners, stakeholders, organizations and businesses to expand our project budgets.
o We will explore collaboration with academic institutions, professionals and subject matter experts to bring innovative solutions and best practices to our initiatives.
My Call to Action: Unite for Good
Fellow Rotarians, the time to act is now. Let this be the year we:
Closing
As President, I will serve with heart, integrity, passion and purpose. But Rotary is not about one person—it’s about all of us. Let us unite across generations, professions, and backgrounds to create a tapestry of service that outlives our tenure.
Together, we will Unite for Good.
UNITED PRESIDENT TOKI MABOGUNJE 2025-2026
