By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

The President of Rotary International, Francesco Arezzo, has called on Rotarians and men of goodwill to unite for good, create positive change, and make lasting impact in their communities.

Arezzo, who was on a seven-day visit to Nigeria with his wife Anna which is also their first time coming to Nigeria and West Africa, made the appeal during a Town Hall Meeting with Rotarians from Districts 9111 and 9112 at the Rotary Centre in Lagos.

Speaking on the theme “Unite for Good” he emphasized the power of collaboration, service, and shared vision in advancing humanitarian efforts.

He encouraged philanthropists and Rotary members to strengthen fellowship and remain committed to impactful projects that transform lives.

Arezzo urged Rotarians to remain steadfast in the organization’s seven areas of focus: peace building and conflict resolution; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; community economic development; and supporting the environment.

He said: “Peace is our unique and main goal, because everything we do has a purpose, it is not the absence of war. Peace means you can live without war in your country, but if you don’t have a job to maintain your family, you will not be peaceful.”

He commended Rotarians and partners for their role in ending the scourge of polio worldwide, while reminding them that the disease persists in two countries—Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The Town Hall provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, as Rotarians engaged directly with the leadership of the world’s leading humanitarian service organization, reinforcing their collective commitment to service above self.

Also, Rotary International President-Elect, Yinka Babalola, described Arezzo’s visit as significant.

He said that the visit had a personal touch, especially as the successor of Arezzo come July 2026 and Nigeria being the number one Rotary country in Africa.

He said Arezzo’s message was food for thought for him, and that he had a lot to gain from it by way of agenda setting.

Present at the event were District 9111 Governor, Henry Akinyele; District 9112 Governor, Lanre Adedoyin; Rotary International President-elect (2026–2027), Yinka Babalola; Trustee of Rotary Foundation, Ijeoma Pearl Okoro; District Governor-elect 9111, Bukola Bakare; and District Governor-elect 9112, Layi Abidoye, among others.