Bukola Bakare Announced as Incoming District 9111 Governor

Rotarian Bukola Bakare has been formally announced as the District 9111 Governor Nominee, set to succeed the current District Governor, Rotarian Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi. The unveiling took place during a well-attended event at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.

The ceremony coincided with the inaugural convention of the Rotary Club and the official unveiling of the District Governor Designate for District 9111.

Bakare, who made history as the first female president of the Rotary Club of Ikeja GRA in Lagos State, expressed her gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to deepen her service to humanity.

She emphasised the continued need for selfless service and reaffirmed her commitment to helping the country achieve its full potential.

In his remarks, outgoing District Governor Dr. Kukoyi thanked club members for their unwavering support throughout his tenure, urging them to maintain their dedication to creating positive change in their communities.

Rotarian Eric Kimani of Kenya, who represented the President of Rotary International, Stephanie Urchick, encouraged members to remain focused on impactful initiatives that promote global peace.

He also highlighted the importance of growing membership, especially by attracting younger individuals, and called for a renewed commitment to the global fight against polio.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by his wife, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, reiterated the importance of selflessness and community service, aligning with the Rotary Club’s values.

While applauding the association’s humanitarian efforts, Obasanjo urged Nigerians to reflect daily on their impact on others, stating:

"Before you go to bed every day, always take a pause and ask yourself, What am I doing for others? What are other people benefiting from me? What am I doing like the Rotary Club to make life more comfortable for others?

"It is not just by word of mouth that the Rotary Club is doing so much to help humanity; it is what is obvious to all, the good work of the outgoing District Governor of Rotary Club, District 9111, Dr Oluwole Kukoyi and his wife, Rev. Olusola Kukoyi is another testament to the love of humanity by this special club."

He concluded that the world would be a far better place if more people embraced the principles of love, service, and mutual aid promoted by the Rotary Club.

Also speaking, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, commended the Rotary Club for its various impactful projects in the state.

She highlighted key interventions such as the Rotary Prostate Cancer Center at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu and the Rotary Eye Center at the General Hospital in Otta, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.

Governor Abiodun underscored the importance of renewing commitment to Rotary’s ideals of empowering communities and transforming lives, especially in an increasingly empathy-starved world.