Former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke has joined Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa Central, as a member at a ceremony held on Sunday at the Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa Central, Lagos State.
Penpushing reports that the induction ceremony, was supervised by Past District Governor of Rotary International District 9110, Rotarian (Otunba) Bola Onabadejo, with other Rotary leaders in attendance.
The membership of Duke was the highlight of the fourth anniversary ceremony of the Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa Central, while Rotarian Duke, who was the first Governor of the South-South state, had been invited by the President of the club, Rotarian Muyiwa Akintunde, and delivered an inspiring speech centred on Rotary’s Four-Way test.
Penpushing further reports that he counselled that the ideals of Rotary should be adopted by institutional bodies and individuals as a way of life, emphasising that the society would have been a better place, particularly for the less privileged if these principles of selflessness had been embraced.
The inaugurated Rotarian stated that the real wretchedness is not the people around us, but ourselves, and broke life into three phases of 25 years each, explaining that the first 25, is the period to learn to live and acquire skills.
Penpushing also reports that Duke added that the second season is when to learn and practice how to earn, while the third phase, which takes every individual beyond 75 years, is the time to give.
The new inductee said that giving is not only in terms of resources, but can also be in sacrificing one’s time and talents, which is in line with Rotary “Service Above Self” mantra.
Penpushing reports that he gladly accepted his membership of the Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa Central as an active, rather than a honorary member, becoming the first of five new members inducted at the ceremony.
The father of the day Onabadejo, in his remarks said he had always admitted Duke for his transformative and impactful projects as Governor and his principles of others above self, stating that Nigeria needed more of its citizens to live like Duke, who related freely with guests and had no airs.
Penpushing further reports that the induction ceremony was conducted by the District Governor Nominee Designate of District 9111, Rotarian Sam Ayetutu and was assisted by the Assistant Governor for Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa Central, Rotarian Ibraheem Adebayo; Past Assistant Governor, Rotarian Kayode Owolabi (the pioneer AG of the club); and Executive Secretary of District 9111, AG Valentine Shomoye (also a former AG of the club), among other top Rotarians and distinguished personalities.
Penpushing also reports that other inducted members were Rotarian Temitope Faborode, Rotarian Niyi Amosu, Rotarian Ayodele Omirin and Rotarian Precious Muotoh, while another major highlight of the night was the inauguration of the club’s League of Past Presidents.
The two of them outside the country, were represented by Rotarian (Dr.) Adebukunola Soile-Balogun while others are: Rotarian (Arc.) Deji Shonuga, the Charter President (2020-2021, 2021-2022); and Rotarian (Mrs.) Olayinka Patunola-Ajayi (2023-2024).
Penpushing reports that in her year as second President of the club (2022-2023), Soile-Balogun led the club to win the third best award in the then District 9110, made up of over 140 clubs.
The President of the club, Rotarian Muyiwa Akintunde explained that the League of Past Presidents would serve as advisory to the incumbent President, giving their own experience as leaders of the club, explaining that it will not be obstructive to the goals of the sitting President.
Penpushing further reports that dignitaries at the event included Public Relations and Experiential Marketing expert, AG Ehi Braimah; former Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Bolaji Oyeleye; author and brand analyst, Mr. Ikem Okuhu; financial expert, Mr. Segun Adebayo; and Communications Consultant, Mr. Jerry Sawyer.
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