“We have the might; We have the power; To serve to change lives; Let’s continue serving humanity in best possible ways; continue being that light the world needs to be better and making mankind
our business.” ~Shekhar Mehta
Rotary International is a service organization with strong commitments to serve humanity.
Rotary District 9142 (made up of seven states, namely: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo) has stayed true to this commitment recording giant strides, touching lives and creating lasting changes in communities and across the globe.
The 2021/22 Rotary Year started on the 1st of July 2021 and will come to an end by 30th June 2022. Under the leadership of Dr. Okey Okonkwo as Governor, Rotary District 9142 has had an interesting journey so far.
This is reflected in the significant attainments recorded by members, clubs and the district; ranging from expanded training opportunities, impactful projects execution, enhanced networking and leadership development.
The training team led by Past District Governor Emman Ude Akpeh enlarged their operation, collaborated with Committees and Officers within and beyond District 9142 to take training offers to new and amazing levels.
Members joined training spaces with facilitators and participants from within and beyond District 9142.
Clubs and individuals have lived up to the mandate of serving humanity; building formidable partnerships, initiating and executing projects of great impact.
The projects cover all the areas of Rotary focus, which are: Basic Education and Literacy; Community Economic Development; Disease Prevention and Treatment; Supporting the Environment; Maternal and Child Health; Peace Building and Conflict Prevention; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.
Outstandingly too, Rotary District 9142 played host to the Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta and Spouse, Rashi. They were received in the Coal City, Enugu by District Governor Okey Okonkwo, Rotarians and Rotaractors.
Also welcoming President Mehta and Spouse was the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who hosted Mehta, Rashi and Rotarians to a banquet.
The visit, amongst other things recorded the commissioning of projects with measurable and sustainable impacts, it also unveiled initiatives awaiting implementation.
Supporting the growth of Rotary’s best asset – membership – the District Governor had charged members to do more than ‘Each One Bring One’.
This initiative culminated into the formation of new clubs and induction of new members. The District Membership Chair, Past Assistant Governor Chibuzo Asogwa presented some of the new members for induction by the Rotary International President.
Also, the newly formed Rotary clubs had the privilege of being presented their Charter certificates by President Mehta who appreciated the achievement and described it as being very promising for greater membership increase.
Recognizing that the Rotary Foundation is the vehicle that enables Rotarians make lasting difference in the lives of thousands of people; a drive for increased donation to the Rotary Foundation was initiated by District Governor Okey Okonkwo and the District Foundation team led by Past District Governor Akabom Enebong.
The initiative has so far recorded huge donations to the Foundation; ranging from the levels of Benefactor to Major Donor (of different levels) and Paul Harris Fellows.
Remarkably too, on the 25th through 30th of March 2022, District 9142 played host to a team of Friendship Exchange participants from Rotary District 9125; amongst them was the District Governor of Rotary District 9125, Rotarian Ayoola Oyedokun. The team had a great time in District 9142 as they were treated to an array of interesting activities.
Their destination was Akwa Ibom State where they visited great places of interest and also enjoyed the warmth and very hospitable nature of Rotarians and friends of the Rotary family.
Then came the last District function for the Rotary Year – The Visionaries District Conference; tagged Ọkpụ Ụzụ 2022. It was a gathering of moguls, selfless volunteers and people of action.
The event recorded a rich blend of attendance; the Rotary International President’s Representative – Abdul Hamid El Awa and spouse were on ground to grace the occasion, shared in the very rewarding experience and also connected with participants.
Also gracing the occasion were: District Governor Ayo Oyedokun (of Rotary District D9125), District Governor Andy Uwejeyan (of Rotary District 9141), Past Rotary International Vice President (PRIVP) Yinka Babalola, Past District Governor (PDG) Ijeoma Pearl Okoro (Endowment and Major Gift Adviser), Past District Governor (PDG) Joshua Hassan amongst others.
It was quite an enriching experience listening to Chief Marcel Okeke handle the summit on doing Business in Nigeria. Also sharing her wealth of knowledge on Practicable Leadership was Dr. Obiageli ‘Oby’ Katryn Ezekwesili CFR.
Taking the discourse further, Dr. Okey Ikechukwu, mni handled the session on Global Leadership Crisis and Rotary Example. Also, Engr. Emeka Ugoanyanwu led the discourse on Underground Water Pollution and Environmental Degradation.
Notably, PRIVP Yinka Babalola alongside PDG Ijeoma Pearl Okoro were awarded by District Governor Okey Okonkwo for their constant support and contributions towards the recorded growth in District 9142.
As the Council on Legislation Representative for District 9142, PDG Elizabeth Ogugua presented the COL report.
Additionally, the Visionary-in-Chief District Governor celebrated PDG Elizabeth Ogugua for her 70th birthday and equally conferred her with the District Service Above Self Award.
Amongst the numerous support Rotary District 9142 has enjoyed from Sir Emeka Offor (Rotary International Polio Ambassador and Arch Klump Society Member) was the polio focused project commissioned during the Visionaries DISCON.
The project included the renovation of Okpuno Primary Health Centre, Unveiling of an End Polio billboard, Polio Vaccine administration and distribution of treated mosquito nets.
The 2021-22 Rotary Year is gradually coming to an end but the great works continue, the quest to serve humanity is ever in motion and the passion is fiercer than ever.
Join a Rotary Club today and share in this very gratifying journey of selfless service, there is joy in service.
Rotarians – Serving humanity in best ways possible!
People of Action – Serving to change lives!!
Visionaries – Changing the narratives in Community Development!!!
District 9142 Public Image Team
