By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The Rotary Club of Akowonjo, District 9111 has celebrated its 40th anniversary with a renewed commitment to membership growth, stronger service delivery and the launch of a N250 million adult literacy and vocational training centre.

Speaking at the milestone event, the District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Henry Akinyele, commended the club for its remarkable contributions to education, community development, healthcare and environmental sustainability over the past four decades.

Akinyele described the anniversary as more than a celebration, noting that it represents an opportunity for recommitment to greater service in the years ahead.

“Forty years is not just a celebration; it is a time to recommit ourselves for another 40 years,” he said, urging the club to intensify efforts toward membership growth and aspire to become a mega club within the district.

He praised the club’s legacy of producing district leaders and acknowledged the contributions of past and present members, including past district governors and emerging leaders who continue to serve at various levels within the district.

The 40th President of the club, David Amovie, said the celebration was designed to honour past leaders whose sacrifices, resources and dedication sustained the club over the years.

According to him, the milestone also serves to inspire younger members and reposition the club strategically for the future.

Amovie disclosed that the club has unveiled a five-year strategic plan aimed at raising N250 million for the construction of a dedicated adult literacy and vocational training centre.

The proposed centre, he explained, will provide a permanent facility for vocational activities and literacy programmes, eliminating the need to rent spaces for community interventions.

“It is a collective vision. Wherever one president stops, the next continues. It is a shared responsibility to achieve this goal,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the 40th anniversary planning committee, Rotarian Bisi Kayode, described the anniversary as a testament to commitment, sacrifice and service.

“Forty years is not just a number. It is the story of visionaries who came together with a shared purpose to make a difference in their community and beyond,” she said.

Kayode noted that since its charter, the club has executed numerous health outreaches, youth-focused initiatives and its signature adult literacy programme.

She said the new literacy and vocational training centre represents hope and empowerment for disadvantaged adults seeking education and skills acquisition.

“Literacy is dignity. Skills are empowerment. Empowerment transforms communities,” she added.
She further appreciated donors, partners and members for their support, stressing that the next 40 years depend on decisions taken today.

The event brought together past district governors, charter members, Rotarians and partners in celebration of four decades of service under Rotary International.