By Victor Okoye
Outgoing President of the Rotary Club of Abuja-Aso Golf, Lizzy Asomugha, has concluded her two-year tenure with a call for greater commitment to peace, humanitarian service and selfless leadership.
The event, tagged “Night of Peace,” was organised in collaboration with Citizens Advocate for Peace Is Possible (CAPIPIN).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Asomugha was installed as the fourth President of the Rotary Club of Abuja-Aso Golf in 2024 and will assume office as a Rotary Assistant Governor from July 1.
Former Inspector-General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, chaired the event, while former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, Uganda’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Philip Odida, and former Nigerian Ambassador to Mozambique, Amb. Mohammed Yammah, were among the dignitaries in attendance.
Others included Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Ifeanyi Uche, District Governor Dame Okoro, members of the diplomatic community, Rotarians, members of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, and other invited guests.
Speaking at the event, Asomugha said she hoped to be remembered for outstanding service to humanity, describing Rotary leadership as a responsibility that demanded patience, humility, sacrifice and endurance.
“It takes tolerance because you are leading volunteers, not employees. You must inspire people through service,” she said.
She advised the incoming President, Mark Matesun, to lead with humility and commitment, adding that leadership should be measured by impact rather than titles.
“I accepted the responsibility wholeheartedly and gave it everything. I want to be remembered for excellent service to humanity. That remains my greatest fulfilment,” she said.
Asomugha described Rotary as a global platform for friendship and humanitarian service, saying it continued to connect people across borders while creating opportunities to serve communities.
She stressed that peace remained the foundation for sustainable development and national progress, noting that the collaboration with CAPIPIN reflected Rotary’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence.
“Peace is possible. When communities live peacefully, everyone benefits from development and prosperity,” she said.
She also commended the Nigeria Police Force for supporting peace initiatives and demonstrating professionalism during the recent Ekiti governorship election.
Matesun pledged to consolidate the achievements of the outgoing administration by strengthening humanitarian projects and deepening members’ participation in Rotary activities.
“I am honoured to build on the remarkable foundation laid by President Lizzy Asomugha. My administration will consolidate humanitarian projects and strengthen member engagement,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address on “Leadership in Times of Peace,” former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Joe Keshi, described peace as the bedrock of national development.
Keshi said sustainable progress depended on visionary leadership, strategic planning and investment in human capital, adding that dialogue, inclusion and justice were essential for development.
He also called for greater youth engagement as a strategy for reducing insecurity and promoting lasting peace.
Also speaking, Okiro said lasting peace and national security required collective responsibility, noting that government alone could not achieve sustainable peace without active citizen participation.
He commended Rotary for complementing government efforts through humanitarian service and community development initiatives.
Odida described Rotary as an important platform for international cooperation, saying Uganda looked forward to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria through humanitarian partnerships.
He presented Asomugha with a goodwill message and a gift from the Uganda High Commission in recognition of her service.
Yammah said diplomacy remained a vital instrument for promoting peace, adding that organisations such as Rotary continued to strengthen international friendship through community service.
Similarly, Uche reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to community policing and commended Rotary and CAPIPIN for supporting peace advocacy across the country.
Okoro commended Asomugha for her selfless service to the club, the Rotary district and Rotary International before inducting new members into the organisation.
Speaking on behalf of the inductees, CAPIPIN National Director, Chibuike Akujobi, thanked Rotary for the opportunity and pledged stronger collaboration on humanitarian and community development initiatives.
The event also featured the presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation to Asomugha by members of the Rotary Club of Abuja-Aso Golf in recognition of her leadership and service during her tenure. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade