By Esther Onyegbula

Rotaract District 9111 has rolled out a roadmap for the 2025–2026 Rotary year, with a focus on empowerment, engagement, and expansion.

At a press briefing held at the Rotary Head Office in Ikeja, Lagos, the newly inaugurated District Rotaract Representative (DRR), Rotaractor Senu Awesu, outlined the district’s vision for a transformative year ahead.

Speaking to journalists and stakeholders, Awesu revealed that the leadership is setting a tone of purposeful service and organizational growth by setting measurable goals across membership, community development, public image, and youth-focused programs.

According to him, :“This year, we’re focusing on sustainable club growth, impactful service projects, and stronger Rotary-Rotaract collaborations,” said Awesu. “Our strategic priorities are not just about numbers, they are about creating real, lasting impact in the lives of our members and the communities we serve.”

Rotaract District 9111 aims to increase membership by 30%, with a net gain of 40% in active participation, and is targeting 90% retention through robust engagement and recognition strategies. As part of its expansion plans, the district will charter at least five new clubs, three community-based and two institution-based.

“We’re recruiting from youth-focused organizations such as the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), and we’re targeting underserved and rural areas, especially in educational institutions,” Awesu stated.

In the area of environmental sustainability, the district will initiate tree-planting drives, cleanup campaigns, and partner with organizations like Green Janitors to implement green initiatives.

According to RTR Waheed Nurudeen Oluwaseun District secretary, “in education, the district will provide scholarships and learning materials, while also launching a school innovation project in selected schools across Lagos and Ogun States.”

“Health-related interventions will include free medical check-ups and support for polio vaccination drives, while the district’s youth empowerment agenda will feature vocational training programs and targeted donations to underprivileged youth.”

“For community development, the district plans to deliver basic amenities to underserved areas, culminating in a three-day outreach initiative in Itele community, with additional activities planned for surrounding localities,” he added.

The district has already hit the ground running in terms of visibility, with the launch of a new website on day one. The district also plans to double social media engagement and will introduce a revitalized newsletter tagged “Youth in Action.”

One of the signature programs of the year will be the District Youth Summit, designed as a collaborative event involving Rotaract, Interact, Junior Chamber International (JCI), and other youth bodies. The summit is expected to bring together 1,000 young people across Lagos and Ogun States.

In addition, a Sports and Recreation Festival, dubbed Rota Festival, will serve as a unifying event for Rotaractors and youth in surrounding communities, promoting camaraderie, wellness, and fun.

Rotaract District 9111 also aims to raise $12,000 for The Rotary Foundation through innovative fundraising activities, further demonstrating its commitment to global humanitarian goals.

Awesu emphasized that this year will also focus on deepening collaboration with Rotary through joint initiatives, mentorship programs, and aligned community service.

“We are not working in silos. This year, we are building bridges between Rotary and Rotaract to amplify our collective impact,” he added.

With a clear vision and actionable goals, District 9111 appears poised for a vibrant and impactful year under Awesu’s leadership. The emphasis on youth empowerment, inclusive growth, strategic communication, and sustainable development aligns with Rotary International’s broader mission of service above self.