The new president unveiled an ambitious vision for community service while continuing a family legacy spanning five decades
Olutoyin Odulate was installed as the 66th President of the Rotary Club of Lagos on 3 July 2026. The ceremony at the Metropolitan Club highlighted service, family legacy and bold plans for community impact.
Rotarian Olutoyin Mobisola Odulate was formally installed as the 66th President of the Rotary Club of Lagos on Friday 3 July 2026 at the prestigious Metropolitan Club on Victoria Island.
The landmark evening also marked the inauguration of the club’s 2026-27 board of directors.
The Rotary Club of Lagos, chartered on 30 May 1961, stands as the second Rotary Club to be chartered in Nigeria, after the Rotary Club of Kano chartered a month earlier in April 1961.
For over six decades it has maintained a distinguished record of community development, healthcare support, educational initiatives, and infrastructure projects that have benefited countless lives across the country.
Olutoyin Odulate, President, Rotary Club of Lagos
A deeply moving aspect of the occasion was the recognition of a strong family legacy. Fifty years after her late father served as the 16th president of the club, Odulate now assumes the same role, symbolising continuity and dedication across generations.
The high-profile gathering welcomed several distinguished guests, including Rotary International President Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, District Governor Olayioye Abidoye, event chairman His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe (Obi of Onitsha), and special guest Adenike Ogunlesi.
Immediate Past President Toki Mabogunje gracefully concluded her term before the formal handover.
Under the skilful direction of master of ceremonies Past Assistant Governor of District 9112, John Senaya, the programme began at 5pm with a stirring procession of past presidents, the Rotary Club of Lagos welcome song, the Rotary grace led by District Governor Nominee, Ehi Braimah, the Objects of Rotary, and the Four-Way Test.
Familiar Rotary songs added warmth to the proceedings, followed by the recognition of past leaders and the event chairman.
The evening was further enriched by a vibrant cultural display from Eyo dancers, whose energetic performance celebrated Lagos traditions and underscored the club’s deep roots in the community.
His Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe delivered an eloquent address that warmly acknowledged the significance of Odulate following in her father’s footsteps. Special guest Adenike Ogunlesi offered insightful remarks, while Toki Mabogunje reflected on her year of service.
In her acceptance speech, Rotarian Olutoyin Mobisola Odulate outlined an ambitious and compassionate vision for her tenure, emphasising sustainable development, youth empowerment, healthcare, and strengthened community partnerships.
Rotary International President Olayinka Babalola praised her leadership calibre and unwavering commitment to Rotary’s ideals of service.
The installation reinforces the Rotary Club of Lagos’s vital role as a pillar of ethical leadership and humanitarian impact in Nigeria.
With a committed membership and strategic collaborations, the club remains exceptionally well positioned to deliver meaningful, lasting change in the year ahead.
This memorable occasion not only honours individual accomplishment but also celebrates the enduring human bonds and legacy of service that define Rotary worldwide.
Dauda Lawal swears in five permanent secretaries in Zamfara, urging them to follow public service rules, financial regulations and relevant laws
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has sworn in five new permanent secretaries, urging them to comply with Public Service Rules, financial regulations and other relevant laws in the discharge of their duties.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Thursday at the Grand Chamber of the Government House in Gusau, the state capital.
The newly appointed permanent secretaries are Ahmad S. Zamfara, Nasiru Halilu Anka, Mu’azu Jibril Guraguri, Adamu Abdullahi Kanoma and Sani Muhammad Shinkafi.
The Chief Judge of Zamfara State, Justice Kulu Aliyu, administered the oath of office to the appointees, who pledged allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lawal congratulated the new permanent secretaries, describing their appointments as recognition of their experience, abilities and readiness to take on greater responsibilities.
He said their roles extended beyond personal career advancement, noting that their decisions and conduct would influence government performance and the welfare of residents.
“The Permanent Secretary is central to Government, providing administrative leadership, institutional continuity, and policy advice while implementing approved programs,” the governor said.
He added that permanent secretaries were responsible for maintaining discipline, coordinating their establishments and ensuring that public resources were used for their intended purposes.
Lawal said his administration remained committed to strengthening government institutions and improving public administration to support Zamfara’s development priorities.
He noted that the civil service played a critical role in translating government decisions into practical results, particularly in the delivery of essential services.
The governor urged the new appointees to align their work with his administration’s priorities through proper planning, realistic implementation strategies, effective supervision and continuous assessment of results.
He also called on them to maintain constructive and professional relationships with commissioners and other political officeholders.
According to Lawal, political leaders are responsible for setting policy, while career civil servants provide the institutional knowledge, technical advice and administrative capacity needed to implement it.
He stressed that mutual respect and cooperation between political officeholders and career civil servants were essential to effective governance.
The governor urged the permanent secretaries to uphold discipline and professionalism while ensuring that their departments supported the administration’s development agenda and served the needs of the people of Zamfara.