By Anino Aganbi

From left: Rotn. Olugbenga Onabadejo, Rotn. Dr. Pauline Onibudo, Rtn. Frank Akinrele present at the inaugural ceremony of the 34th president Rotary Club, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Rotary club of Victoria Island, Dis. 911 recently installed Rotarian Dr. Pauline Adebanke Onibudo as the 34th president of the club. The induction of the 2015/2016 board members also took place alongside the inauguration.  It was with gladness in the hearts of all Rotarians present that the 34th president of the club was inaugurated. The rotary club has always been known for the active roles they play in the society at large and with that role in mind; they still hope to continue to do more.

All protocols were observed as the District past presidents, chattered president, president elect and all other rotary members of Victoria Island made their presence felt while commemorating with a woman of  great substance. It was highly noted that Rotarian Dr. Pauline Onibudu is an educator at heart and is therefore helping young people fulfill their purpose, thereby becoming all God created them to be. Her zeal as an educator has earned her several awards in recognition to the educational sector.

The Chairman of the occasion, Capt Akinbowale John Johnson started by expressing his joy at being present at the installation of the world class President in the current rotary year. He stated that “I am most delighted to witness this wonderful occasion and the opportunity given to me as chairman of this great event. The very person being elevated to this exalted position of this respectable club is my dear sister Dr. Mrs. Pauline Banke Onibudu.

Secondly, I would say the person chosen can do the job well, having demonstrated her competence in different areas. She is also a woman of integrity and tenacity who is ruled by love, selflessness and commitment to render service to humanity. Any task she is involved in must be perfectly done. I therefore urge other members of the executive arm to brace up for some real work. I admire the rotary because it is an organization that has always been after my heart.

It is seen as truly devoted to the welfare and plight of the downtrodden and the masses. Its resources are geared at enumerating their problems. Rotary enjoys the goodwill of the people as it is seen as a respectable organization whose interest is how to make the world a better place and we all know we need to make this world a better place. I urge you to keep the fire burning; keep leading the world by your light which illuminates and brings out the worlds beauty.

Keep showing the world that it is possible to have clean water to drink in remote villages and hamlets. Keep showing that indeed, the poor can be sheltered and given food. Keep providing relief to the distressed souls and bruised hearts and as you do so, you are getting back your blessings a thousand fold.

The 34th Inaugurated President, Dr. Mrs Onibudu stated that “I wish to express my profound gratitude to the organizing committee and every member of Victoria Island Rotary Club for believing in me and finding me worthy to pilot the affairs of this noble and highly respected club for one year. I thank you for the trust and have accepted the offer with gratitude. I promise the members of this club that I will put in all my knowledge and efforts to ensure that the good work is continued.

Rotary is an international humanitarian organization of over 1.2 million people devoted to making the world a better place especially for the under-privileged. It also provides opportunities for networking of professional persons united in service through the advancement of education, house sanitation and goodwill around the world. Membership of the rotary club is therefore a privilege and an opportunity to learn, associate and contribute voluntarily towards the advancement and sustainability of the human race.

This privilege further gives you a chance to key into the vision and the objectives of the founding fathers of rotary. In this way, you are accepting and given the principles of the four way test”. She further disclosed that ‘The community service project is a major activity of the rotary and it aims at assisting the members of the public especially the less privileged.

Our club has an opportunity to make a lasting impact this year especially in the areas of health and education. We are also into giving a helping hand in other important areas.  In line with the above, the club established a vocational center in Ibeju, lekki to assist the less privileged acquire profitable and marketable skills. We hope to do more with your support in other areas. Our theme for this year is Be a gift to the world” and I urge you to be a gift to your family, club, community, state and country at large.