By Oyinkansola Oladokun/Busayo Onijala
Mr Adeniyi Adegbite, the new President of Rotary Club of Gbagada South in Lagos State, says commitment to humanitarian service and poverty alleviation led him into Rotary Club.
Adegbite said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
NAN reports that Adegbite was installed as the 23rd President of the Rotary Club of Gbagada South for the 2025/2026 Rotary year, on Saturday in Lagos.
The investiture ceremony had the theme: “Unite for Good”.
It marked the formal handover of leadership of the Rotary Club of Gbagada South from Mr Olushanu Afolabi to Adegbite.
Adegbite told NAN that his motivation to join Rotary Club stemmed from deep passion for service and a desire to effect meaningful change in the society.
According to him, his personal experiences and long-standing commitment to charitable causes shaped his journey into Rotary Club.
“I have always been passionate about seeing positive change around me and being part of that change.
“Before joining the club, I was engaged in several charitable activities within my community but realised that the impact of an individual cannot go too far.
“Rotary provides a platform to reach more people and make greater impact collectively.”
On his goals for the Rotary year, Adegbite said that he planned to grow the club’s membership to 100.
Adegbite also highlighted several community projects that his administration would undertake.
He listed the projects to include a computer literacy initiative for public school pupils, establishment of a computer centre equipped with 10 new computers and a power generator, and sponsorship of two pupils.
“We want children in public schools to have the same access to technology and learning tools as those in private institutions.
“We will also establish a solar-powered digital library in my alma mater.
“It will be an advanced learning hub designed to promote research, creativity and knowledge sharing.”
NAN reports that the club has launched a low-interest microloan scheme for small-scale traders as part of efforts to alleviate poverty.
The initiative offers beneficiaries up to N100,000 repayable in convenient monthly instalments.
Adegbite reaffirmed commitment to the ideals of Rotary Club.
He gave the assurance that his administration would focus on education, health, youth empowerment, and poverty reduction.
“No single person can solve all societal problems but through the club, we can work together to create a lasting impact and change lives.
“My administration will prioritise teamwork, transparency and innovation in delivering service,” Adegbite said.
In a goodwill message at the investiture ceremony on Saturday, Mr Roger Larry, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tax and Revenue, said that Rotary Club’s value of community service aligned with the state’s developmental goals.
He urged support for the club’s initiatives, describing Adegbite as a leader with integrity, humility and vision.
Governor Lanre Adedoyin of District 9112 for the 2025/2026 Rotary year, commended the club for its consistent record of excellence, and described the investiture as a reaffirmation of Rotary’s value of good leadership.
He encouraged the new president to uphold Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self and deepen community impact through sustainable initiatives.
NAN reports that guests at the event collectively pledged over N10 million to support the club’s humanitarian programmes. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Ijeoma Popoola
