Humanity
The Rotary Foundation Celebrates 120 Years with Call for Selfless Giving
Former Lagos commissioner and Colenson Group founder, Asiwaju Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, urged Nigerians to impact the world through selfless giving.
He made this call during his opening remarks at The Rotary Foundation Dinner & Dance, organised by District 9112 to celebrate Rotary International’s 120th anniversary.
Speaking at the Civic Centre, Lagos, on 23 February 2025, Olawale-Cole praised Rotary for its global humanitarian efforts, describing the organisation as a beacon of hope, kindness, and compassion. He highlighted how Rotary has touched millions of lives worldwide through its impactful initiatives.
District Governor and Afem Publishers Managing Director/CEO, Rotarian Olufemi Adenekan, expressed gratitude to donors and outlined The Rotary Foundation’s achievements since its establishment in 1917.
He emphasised how the foundation has transformed communities through various humanitarian projects.
Rotarian Omotunde Olaleye, chairman of the event’s planning committee and past president of the Rotary Club of Victoria Garden City, urged guests to continue supporting Rotary’s core focus areas: 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,” he stated.
Themed “Rotary Foundation: The Heart of Giving,” the event featured entertainment, cultural performances, and networking opportunities.
A major highlight of the night was the prestigious humanitarian awards, honouring notable Nigerians for their philanthropic contributions.
Awardees included Asiwaju Olawale-Cole, Olori Amb. (Dr.) Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, Elder Urum Kalu Eke, Anthony & 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, Basorun Peter Ogunbayo, Dr. Augustine Onwumere, and Michael Ikenga, CEO of ITStack Limited.
The Rotary Foundation, established in 1917 with an initial donation of $26.50 by the Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri, has grown into one of the world’s largest and most respected humanitarian organisations.
Its mission remains to advance goodwill, peace, and global development through impactful service projects.
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The leading club in Rotary International District 9111, Rotary Club of Ikeja, has donated N1 million to support this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, RYLA 2026.
The donation was made by the Impact President, Rotarian Kayode Osokomaiya on behalf of the club last Monday, August 3rd, 2026 during the club’s meeting at the Sea School , Apapa where the week long RYLA 2026 is taking place.
Speaking at the event as a Guest Speaker on the theme, ‘Creating Lasting Impact: Igniting Purpose Driven Leaders’, the Managing Director of Knewrow, Mr. Tomiwa Anjorin said that young people have the capacity to make as much impact as the adults.
Mr. Anjorin said: “If impact was only a conversation for adults, this event would never have been organised. The fact that we are here today is proof that you are not too young to make a difference.
“With over 50 million teenagers in Nigeria, your generation represents one of our nation’s greatest opportunities. The question is not whether you can change Nigeria, but whether you will choose to.
“Many of us have been taught to pursue success first and impact later. I believe we have the order reversed. Impact comes before success.The world’s most successful organisations, such as Google and Microsoft, became successful because they solved meaningful problems and created value for millions of people. Success is often the reward for sustained impact.
“I encourage you to shape your future through four choices: choose character over popularity, service over selfishness, growth over comfort, and responsibility over excuses. These decisions build trust, develop competence, and prepare you for lasting leadership.’’
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