Society
Nigeria’s Olayinka Babalola Becomes Rotary International President, Strengthening African Legacy
Nigerian engineer becomes second African to lead global humanitarian body, pledging stronger peacebuilding and development impact
Nigerian engineer and veteran humanitarian Olayinka Hakeem Babalola is set to assume office as President of Rotary International on 1 July 2026, marking a historic leadership moment as he becomes only the second African to head the global humanitarian organisation in its more than century-long history.
Also read: Taipei 2026: A historic Rotary Convention and Nigeria’s moment on the global stage
Olayinka Babalola, a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, will oversee a worldwide network of more than 1.2 million members across over 45,000 clubs spanning nearly every country, during his one-year tenure at the helm of one of the world’s largest volunteer service organisations.
His emergence continues a significant legacy for Africa within Rotary International, following in the footsteps of the late Jonathan B. Majiyagbe, the first African and first Black African president of the organisation, who served in 2003–2004 and remains widely regarded as a transformative figure in Rotary’s global expansion.
In the lead-up to his inauguration, Olayinka Babalola emphasised the role of Rotary in fostering unity and service in a divided world, highlighting the organisation’s potential to build stronger communities through collaboration and shared purpose.
“Rotary gives people the opportunity not only to make a difference in their communities, but also to grow through meaningful relationships, collaboration, and a deeper appreciation of different perspectives,” Olayinka Babalola said.
He added that the organisation has a critical role in promoting peace and opportunity amid global uncertainty.
“At a time when many societies face division and uncertainty, I believe Rotary has an important role to play in building understanding, advancing peace, and creating opportunities for communities to thrive,” he said.
A key priority of his presidency will be strengthening Rotary’s long-standing humanitarian missions, including peacebuilding, disease prevention, education support and sustainable community development.
Olayinka Babalola is also expected to play a central role in the organisation’s global effort to eradicate polio, one of Rotary’s flagship commitments under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
Rotary International has contributed more than US$3 billion to the polio eradication campaign, helping immunise over three billion children and reduce global cases by 99.9 per cent, according to organisational records.
The incoming president has previously served on Rotary’s End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee and advised Nigeria’s National PolioPlus Committee.
Beyond public health, Rotary International has invested more than **US$5.5 billion** through The Rotary Foundation over the past century, supporting projects in clean water access, sanitation, education, maternal health, economic development and environmental protection.
Olayinka Babalola brings extensive private sector and development experience to the role, having spent over three decades in the oil and gas industry, including senior leadership positions at Shell PLC.
He later founded Riviera Technical Services Ltd. and Lead and Change Consulting, focusing on infrastructure development and executive leadership coaching.
His Rotary journey began in 1984 through Rotaract before he formally joined the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi in 1994, where he rose through various leadership positions. He currently serves as trustee of ShelterBox UK, Rotary’s disaster relief partner.
Over the years, he has received multiple honours within the organisation, including the Service Above Self Award and the Africa Centennial Heroes Award, reflecting his longstanding contribution to humanitarian service.
The appointment places Nigeria once again at the centre of Rotary International leadership, reinforcing the country’s growing influence within global civic and humanitarian networks.
Also read: Abidoye Named Incoming Governor of Rotary District 9112
As he prepares to assume office, expectations are high that Olayinka Babalola’s presidency will bring renewed focus to peacebuilding, youth engagement and sustainable development initiatives across vulnerable communities worldwide.
Paris has always had a way of making fashion feel less like clothing and more like theatre. And when the world’s style aristocracy gathered for the Spring/Summer 2027 season, Nigerian high flying businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu, arrived with the kind of polished glamour that commands attention without demanding it.
Against the timeless backdrop of the French capital, Achimugu stepped into the world of Paris Fashion Week in a look that married sophistication with modern femininity. Her ensemble was defined by a refined silhouette, impeccable tailoring and the kind of carefully considered styling in which every detail appeared deliberate. The proportions were elegant, the finish luxurious, while her accessories added just the right measure of sparkle and personality.
Her beauty look complemented rather than competed with the outfit. Immaculately styled hair, luminous makeup and a poised, confident bearing completed the picture, allowing the clothes to retain their quiet authority. It was a lesson in restraint: nothing appeared excessive, yet every element, from the jewellery to the finishing touches, contributed to the overall effect.
The real strength of Achimugu’s Paris appearance, however, was in the details. The interplay of texture and silhouette gave the look dimension, while the accessories provided those subtle flashes of glamour associated with the best society dressing. There was an understanding of proportion, balance and occasion, a recognition that at Paris Fashion Week, being noticed is not necessarily about wearing the loudest look in the room.
For Achimugu, fashion has never seemed like an afterthought. It is part of the persona, the jewellery, the sculpted silhouettes, the luxurious textures, the immaculate finishing and that unmistakable confidence of a woman comfortable in her own skin.
Her Paris appearance offered yet another glimpse into the glamorous lifestyle of the Felak Concept Group boss, whose public persona has over the years straddled business, philanthropy, high society and fashion.
In the city, amid the fashion houses and international style elite, Achimugu appeared more than as a spectator but as a Nigerian woman confidently occupying a global fashion space. Her look spoke in the sophisticated language of Parisian dressing, polished, assured and intentionally glamorous, while retaining the unmistakable confidence of a woman bringing her own sense of style to the occasion.
And as the lights of Paris dimmed on another fashionable season, her appearance left behind the unmistakable impression of a woman who understands that fashion, at its most powerful, is as much about presence as it is about clothes.
Danielle Adewusi is crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 after defeating 19 delegates in Lagos, earning the chance to represent Nigeria in Mexico (more…)
-
Politics3 years ago
13 Ondo Assembly Members Disown Endorsement of Aiyedatiwa
-
Politics3 years ago
APC Group, Ondo Govt, Quarrel Over Money for Endorsement
-
Trending News5 years agoStop unsavoury, inciting statements – DSS warns
-
Others5 years agoAdron Homes Celebrates 10 Years Of Housing Excellence
-
Humanity5 years agoPresident Buhari Commiserates With Ambassador Maureen Tamuno Over The Loss Of Her Father
-
Others7 years agoEX- CUSTOMS BOSS, IBRAHIM MERA’S DWINDLING FAME
-
Business2 years agoBigi Carbonated Soft Drinks Treats 40 Consumers to an Epic Easter Movie Hangout
-
Business2 years agoWema Bank Shines at Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024 …Awarded: • SME Financier of the Year (Africa) • Platinum Award for Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs (Africa)