01/10/2024
Dear Irresistible Rotarians,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the first day in the month of October which is loaded with many celebrations.
Apart from heralding the new month, today marks the independence anniversary of our great country.
Today, we celebrate 64 years of Nigeria’s independence, a milestone that reminds us of our resilience, strength, and determination.
As we reflect on our journey, we acknowledge the challenges we've faced, but we also honor the progress we've made. We've overcome obstacles, adapted to change, and continued to strive for a better future.
Today is celebrated over the world as International Day of Older Persons. On 14 December, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons.
The theme for 2024, Ageing with Dignity signifies the importance of strengthening care and support systems for older persons worldwide.
The day is celebrated annually to recognise the contributions of older persons and to examine issues that affect their lives and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the
contribution, wisdom, dignity and needs of our senior citizens and to rededicate our efforts to ensure their well-being.
In our District, we are honouring our older Rotarians by organising a special programme that brings them together. Part of the activities lined up for today’s celebration events Include: heartfelt tributes to our esteemed Elders in Rotary, personal recognition by the District Governor, reminiscences of past activities, music, refreshments, and
merriments, fellowship and networking opportunities
In the Rotary calendar, October is Economic Development month. It is also the month when World Polio Day is celebrated.
Let's focus on empowering communities through sustainable economic growth.
Rotary's economic development projects improve livelihoods, create jobs, and stimulate local economies. Share your club's success stories
Investing in people, investing in communities.
I ask that you join us in celebrating Economic Development Month and promoting prosperity for all.
At Club levels, a variety of activities can be done including, but not limited to, hosting seminars on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, or vocational training, organising a community fair promoting local businesses and artisans or inviting a guest speaker to discuss innovative economic development strategies.
24 October is World Polio Day!
Rotary has been in the fight to eradicate polio and we're close to the end of the great work.
Thanks to Rotary's efforts, polio cases have decreased by 99.9% since 1988! Let's finish the job because together, we are closer than ever to making polio a thing of the past.
For Rotary International, the day isn’t just about looking back, it is about taking action. Together, we can inspire change and keep polio at the forefront of global health conversations.
Rotary has contributed more than $2.2 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunize nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries.
Every dollar counts in the fight against polio and I urge every Rotarian to donate to Rotary's PolioPlus fund today!
The District plans polio walk in Lagos and Ogun States and plans advocacy visit to Governments of both States and also to traditional rulers.
Ways Clubs can celebrate the day include hosting fundraising events, organising community awareness campaigns, featuring posters, banners, and informational booths or inviting polio survivors or experts to share their story.
Remember that the world is watching, and together, we can make history by saying goodbye to polio.
New Club Formation
I am excited to inform you of the admission into Rotary International the first new Rotary Club in D9111. Rotary Club of Lagos Northwest, with 24 members, was formally given Charter Certificate on 18 September 2024
Membership
The growth has been steady, with the current figure of 2297
Rotary Foundation
There are still challenges with Rotary Foundation contributions by Rotarians. We are hopeful that RF will release the points accumulated under D9110 that may be used to match PHF contributions.
Current total RF contribution is $44,429.74
Sickle Cell Disease Centre Project
As the building continues to progress rapidly, more Clubs and international partner Districts are signifying interest in giving cash and DDF contributions to the Global Grant application.
We are optimistic of successful outcome of the application for the grant which will be used for furnishing and equipping the centre.
Mauritius Institute
This regional event took place between 24th and 28th September in Mauritius, a relaxing island of eaceful and hospitable 1.3milliin people of multiethnic and multireligious demography.
Our District was adequately represented by a full complement of DGE, DGN , Membership, Foundation and Learning Chairs and Council of Legislation representative who went for training as well as Elector who participated at the election process of the Director Nominee for Zone 22. The candidate nominated by a Club in our District for this elective post did excellently well, though not picked at the last of the three-round exercises.
Distict 9110 was recognised as the highest giver to Rotary Foundation in Zone 22 in the year 2023-2024
Due to the data protection policy in Mauritius, it was not possible to get the actual number of Nigerians at the event but all the six Districts were represented in large numbers as evidenced by the massive ovation during the flag parade at the official opening of the Institute. The next event, termed Euro-African Summit, will take place in Brussels from 23rd to 25th September 2025.
Calgary RI Convention
The rigorous screening continues at the District Centre. The first batch of names has been submitted to the Canadian Embassy.
3-month Peace Study at Olabisi Onabanjo University
The call for application is already out. The Committee hopes to finalize list of the pioneer candidates very soon so that the study can effectively commence.
Coming Events
The much-talked about and advertised programmes, Artificial Intelligence Facilitation, Mastery and Public Image Seminar are here!
The AI event, organised in collaboration with Lagos State government, will hold on
Wednesday 2nd October at the Public Service Staff Development Centre.
Attendance at the Public Image Seminar, billed for Thursday 03 October, is expected to be very high given the quality of special guest speakers and topics.
District Conference 2024-2025
Plans are underway to ensure a very successful and action-packed conference.
The Committee has promised us a time of innovative ideas, robust fellowship, outstanding camaraderie and exciting networking.
Distinguished fellow Rotarians, you are most welcome to October 2024.
Wole Kukoyi
District Governor, D9111
