… Efuntayo emerges 40th President Rotary Club, Ikoyi

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

In view of commitment towards improving socio-economic conditions of citizens, a former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Ogun State, Bimbo Ashiru, has called on members of Rotary Club to increase advocacy for positive change in Nigeria.

Ashiru, who is also the Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, urged members to participate in politics for better societal influence and impact.

He spoke at the Investiture Ceremony of the 40th President of Rotary Club of Ikoyi, Mr Emmanuel Efuntayo, at Victoria Island, Lagos .

According to him, to address socio-economic challenges facing the people, the club must seek more innovative ways of transforming lives in the various communities.

Ashiru, who was the guest speaker, said that members of the club were in a privileged position to seek all avenues and explore ways to impact the people better.

He said that Rotary club was critical for the transformation of the society by refocusing the people on their collective humanity and moral responsibilities.

The guest speaker urged the club to use it’s membership influence to get things done and get good leaders into governance for a better society.

Ashiru said: “Rotary is a powerful way of impacting communities and should continue to broaden impact within communities its members live or work.

“To do this, it will have to navigate the phase of politics and ideological discourse while maintaining its neutrality.

“You can be neutral, but at the same time you cannot say you don’t want to involve in politics in Nigeria.

“You must be involved. You may not need to become member of a political party, but you should be seen to be contributing and be talking.

“Rotary Club membership in Nigeria spreads across the country and formed the bedrock of dedicated and distinguished professionals as well as businessmen and women.

“While Rotary Club maintains its general position of neutrality in matters of politics, it is imperative now, more than ever, that the good will and dedication of its members be harnessed to support governance at the local, state and federal levels.”

The guest speaker advised “Rotatarians” to deploy more of their interests towards improving public service in Nigeria.

While saying Rotary was formed to uplift humanity ,Ashiru said the club’s impact cut across healthcare, clean water supply, sanitation, youth development, literacy , education, poverty reduction initiatives, community development, among others.

He stressed that club had also been impacting members by providing them with opportunities, leadership development and building healthy relationships.

Ashiru said:”I believe it should continue to evolve ways of engaging politicians and those in the public service until the socio-economic challenges are addressed.

“I will like to challenge you to focus on the impact you can have by influencing the governing class to do the right things for the people in various constituencies.

“As an organisation with so many notable members with access to the corridor of power, you can play a more emphatic role in helping to shape and refocus political discourse event without being political.”

Speaking, the newly inaugurated President, Efuntayo, said that the theme of the programme ” See the Magic Cooperation”, encapsulated the power of collective efforts.

“Through dedication, compassion, and actions, we can make some positive changes that go beyond our immediate community, impacting lives globally,” Efuntayo said.

The president assured that he was committed to accomplishing several goals during his tenure.

He promised to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive club where every member would feel valued and empowered.

Efuntayo also said that his tenure would promote leadership development, reaching the unreached, donate to Rotary foundation and actively participate in district and global activities.

According to the new president, he will carry out impactful projects, enhance public image of the club and put smiles on the faces of the people during his tenure.

“These goals are ambitious, achievable and reflect our shared vision of service above self. As Rotarians and non-Rotarians, we should be people of action.

“I therefore call upon each and everyone of us to lend our collective efforts, talents and resources. Together, we can make our world a better place where opportunities thrive,” Efuntayo said.

Speaking ,the immediate past President, Mrs Funsho Gbogboade, commended past leaders of the club and members for their support, saying “we were able to impact lives earnestly in all areas”.

The ceremony was graced by prominent personalities ,including Hajia Kafayat Oyetola,wife of Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola.

Ashiru and AIG Durosinmi Olatoye were among those decorated as “Distinguished Rotarians”at the programme.

Caroline Hutchings(formerly Caroline Danjuma),an actress and a producer,was also unveiled 2024 Rotary Polio Ambassador.