Traditional Rulers, Stakeholders Applaud Rotary’s Humanitarian Impact as Bukola Bakare Takes Over District 9111

By Akeem Salau

Prominent traditional rulers and stakeholders have commended Rotary International for its enduring commitment to humanitarian service, describing the organisation as a model of selfless community development.

The commendation came during the installation of entrepreneur Rotarian Bukola Olabisi Bakare as the new District Governor of Rotary International District 9111 at a colourful ceremony held over the weekend.

Leading the tributes were the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Osun State, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, and the Oniru of Iruland, Lagos State, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal, Abisogun III, who praised Rotary’s more than a century of humanitarian interventions across the world.

Oba Haastrup described Rotarians as individuals who willingly deploy their personal resources to improve the lives of others, noting that their service represents true sacrifice. In support of the organisation’s humanitarian projects, the monarch donated N25 million to Rotary District 9111.

Similarly, the Oniru lauded Rotary members for their unwavering dedication to community service without seeking personal gain. He urged corporate organisations to strengthen partnerships with Rotary to expand its developmental initiatives.

The monarch also encouraged traditional rulers across the country to work more closely with Rotary, stressing that sustainable development thrives on collaboration among governments, community leaders and development organisations.

According to him, modern traditional institutions now play broader roles beyond preserving culture, serving as strategic partners in governance and community development.

He cited several projects attracted to Iruland through successful collaborations with government agencies and private organisations, emphasising that improving people’s welfare remains the foundation of societal progress.

“Let us build bridges instead of barriers,” the Oniru urged, expressing confidence that the newly installed district governor would successfully implement her vision during her one-year tenure. He also made a financial donation in support of Rotary’s activities.

Delivering the keynote address, former Managing Director of FirstBank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, examined the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), cautioning that while technology continues to transform society, it must never replace the virtues of integrity, honesty and character embodied in Rotary’s Four-Way Test.

He argued that the real challenge is not whether AI can replicate human intelligence but whether people will continue to exercise sound judgment and ethical leadership while deploying emerging technologies.

According to him, the effectiveness of AI will ultimately depend on the integrity of those who develop, regulate and use it.

“Artificial intelligence may shape this century, but character will determine what this century becomes,” he said, adding that technology must always be guided by strong moral values and responsible leadership.

In her acceptance speech, Rotarian Bakare appealed to individuals, corporate organisations and development partners to support Rotary District 9111’s ambitious humanitarian agenda, which has a projected budget of over N1 billion for the Rotary year.

She said the fundraising event was designed to mobilise resources that would create lasting impact in communities, with the district’s flagship initiative being the construction of a 60-bed Wellness Centre valued at N800 million at the Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.

The immediate past District Governor, Prince Henry Akinyele, highlighted achievements recorded during his tenure, including the chartering of 12 new Rotary clubs, expansion of membership, increased community outreach programmes, contributions exceeding 336,000 dollars to The Rotary Foundation, the donation of a building to the Peace Institute at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, and hosting the Rotary International President for the first time in the district’s history.

The ceremony attracted an array of distinguished personalities, including Chief Lateef Akande Bakare, husband of the new district governor and Ajirowa of Ijesaland; former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; Senator Wasiu Eshilokun, representing Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; and the Olofin of Ilisan-Remo, Oba Mojeed Olufemi Sonuga.

Also present were Nigeria’s first Rotary District Governor, Prince Juli Adelusi-Adeluyi; Rotary Foundation Trustee Ijeoma Okoro; the district’s pioneer governor, Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi; Governor-Elect Dr. Samuel Adetutu; District Governor-Nominee Ade Oyenekan; District 9112 Governor Layi Abidoye; and former District Governor Lanre Adedoyin.