Past District Governor, Rotarian Omotunde Lawson has challenged the foremost club in District, 9111, Rotary Club of Ikeja to move from its consistent status to a growing club.

Rotarian Lawson, who is also the Assistant Rotary Membership Coordinator, Region 27, Zone 22, Africa noted that the club whose membership rose to 47 at the end of its first year after being charted in 1967, should be more intentional about increasing and sustaining its membership.

Speaking as a guest speaker at a lecture themed: Strategies for Sustainable Membership Growth in commemoration of the Rotary Month of August theme: Membership and New Development, Lawson observed that club’s membership would grow if attraction was greater than attrition.

She added that the key principles for sustaining membership are, ‘’admitting the right people, admitting for genuine reasons, admitting who can afford the cost of Rotary and admitting people who are very willing and not coerced.’’

Rotarian Lawson, who applauded the club for birthing over 60 clubs said the time has come for the club to reinvent itself.

‘’It is gratifying to note that most of the successful clubs in the district have their roots here in this club and Rotary club of Ikeja is either their father, grand-father or great grand -father. However, Rotary club of Ikeja needs to devise means and ways of attracting new members into its fold on a regular basis.

‘’Some of the reasons for attracting and sustaining membership in Rotary include good leadership, providing an irresistible club experience during your meetings, flexibility, engagement with all members as well as boosting the capacity of Rotarians in Rotary knowledge and information.

She concluded, ‘’We also need to conduct health check regularly on our clubs, avoid long meetings, very dry and uninteresting club meetings, unimpressive attendance of members as well as keeping our guests unattended to.

The City of Brampton has recognised Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun for his remarkable contributions to a transformative initiative designed to empower women through essential skill-building for independence and self-reliance. This formal acknowledgment took place on August 15, 2025, in Mayor Patrick Brown’s office during a visit from the Africa Made Economic Growth Initiative (AMEGI) team. Represented by his wife, Mrs. Omolara Egungbohun, Alhaji Dende received the certification amidst an atmosphere of gratitude and celebration. Mayor Brown presented the certificate personally and extended his commendations to the IBD Foundation for their relentless pursuit of women’s empowerment, development, and their philanthropic efforts.

The Certificate of Recognition underscored Egungbohun’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to create diverse opportunities for women to enhance their skills, develop their potential, and ultimately prosper in their personal and professional lives. As a philanthropist, esteemed businessman, and influential social figure, his impact in Nigeria and beyond is both profound and far-reaching.

Egungbohun’s generosity and steadfast commitment have significantly bolstered the confidence of program participants, facilitating their ability to envision and construct brighter futures while strengthening community ties. In his acknowledgment, Mayor Brown stated, “Your dedication uplifts those working to inspire others,” highlighting the deep and lasting influence of Egungbohun’s work in empowering women.

This initiative is not just a standalone effort; it harmonizes perfectly with Brampton’s broader mission to advocate for and uplift marginalized groups within the community. Egungbohun’s contributions serve as a vital catalyst for transformative change, offering practical skills that enhance employability while reshaping the economic and social framework for women. Through an assortment of workshops, mentorship programs, and robust support networks, he has fostered an encouraging environment where women can fully explore and realize their potential.

As Brampton steadfastly commits itself to promoting inclusivity and equity, leaders like Egungbohun exemplify how collaboration, vision, and genuine enthusiastic engagement can effectively turn hopes and aspirations into tangible realities. The public acknowledgment from the city not only honors individual efforts but also sends a resounding message, inspiring other community leaders and stakeholders to step up and invest in grassroots empowerment initiatives that uplift and serve those in need. This recognition is a clarion call for collective action toward a more equitable and inclusive society.

In a display of compassion and commitment to societal well-being, UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, extended its generosity to the less privileged in Lagos through its charity outreach program.

The Foundation visited So-Said Charity Homes Community and SOS Children’s Village, in Lagos, where the elderly, children, and vulnerable members of society were presented with essential food items and other relief materials, including several bags of rice, beans, and other necessities, aimed at alleviating hardship and putting smiles on the faces of the beneficiaries.

Speaking during the outreach, UBA’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, who emphasised the Foundation’s commitment to improving lives across Africa, noted that this initiative is one of the ways the Foundation gives back to its communities.

“At UBA Foundation, we believe in touching lives and giving back to the communities where we operate. The elderly and children are among the most vulnerable in society, and it is our responsibility to support them in any way we can. This outreach is a testament to our commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development,” she said.

The CEO, So-Said Charity Homes Community, Mrs. Felicia Martins, whose orphanage was among the beneficiaries of the outreach, expressed deep gratitude for the Foundation’s generous gesture.

“We are deeply thankful to UBA Foundation for remembering us and putting smiles on the faces of our residents. These donations will go a long way in providing much-needed relief, especially in these challenging times,” she noted.

Similarly, Programme Director, SOS Children’s Village, Ayodeji Adelopo, lauded the Foundation’s efforts in supporting orphaned and vulnerable children, and sought more meaningful collaboration in future.

“UBA Foundation has consistently shown that it cares about the welfare of children. This donation will help ensure that the children under our care have access to nutritious meals and other essentials. We appreciate this act of kindness,” he stated.

The beneficiaries, including elderly residents and children, were full of joy as they received the donated items, with many expressing their appreciation for the Foundation’s thoughtfulness.

UBA Foundation’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Bola Atta, reiterated the bank’s resolve to driving positive change through impactful initiatives.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to uplift communities through education, empowerment, environment and other programs. Our various outreaches demonstrate our commitment towards making a difference in the society,” she said.

The Foundation has a long-standing tradition of philanthropy, with numerous initiatives across Africa aimed at empowering the underprivileged, from educational scholarships and initiatives to healthcare interventions and poverty alleviation programs