23/02/2026
Are you a Rotarian? What does Rotary truly mean to you?
Rotary International is a global, non-governmental service organization founded on 23rd February 1905 in Chicago by Paul Harris and three friends — Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey. What began as a circle of professionals meeting for friendship and ethical business networking has grown into a worldwide humanitarian movement spanning over 200 countries and geographical areas, with more than 1.4 million members.
From that simple vision of fellowship and service, Rotary has spent 121 years changing lives across the globe — building schools, drilling boreholes, promoting peace, supporting maternal and child health, strengthening local economies, and advancing education.
Before I continue, permit me to introduce myself within the Rotary family.
My name is Felicity Ijoga — a proud Rotarian, Paul Harris Fellow, Charter President, Past Assistant Governor, IEP Peace Ambassador, and North Central Peace Zonal Coordinator of the Rotary Action Group.
Now let me ask you:
What circle of friends do you belong to?
What impact is your network making in society?
As a Rotarian, how have you supported The Rotary Foundation?
Are you actively participating in Rotary’s Areas of Focus?
Are you part of the historic fight to eradicate polio?
Through its End Polio Now campaign, Rotary has helped reduce polio cases worldwide by over 99% since 1988, in partnership with global agencies. We are this close to eradicating polio completely — but we must finish strong.
Our motto is “Service Above Self.”
Service Above Self means:
- Choosing impact over comfort
- Giving without expecting applause
- Leading with integrity
- Lifting others as we rise
Rotary is not just a club — it is a call to responsibility. It is a platform where friendship meets purpose, and leadership meets compassion.
Boldly and proudly, I am a Rotarian.
I live by the Rotary values of Fellowship, Integrity, Diversity, Service, and Leadership.
And above all, I remain a child of God — a proud follower of Jesus Christ — serving humanity without apology.
Service is not an activity; it is a lifestyle.
Join us today in service to humanity!
By
Felicity Ijoga
