Rotary
By Fidelia Okosodo
Princess Joy Okoro, the new Governor of Rotary International District 9127,  has pledged to deliver tangible change in rotary’s focus areas that will impact positively on humanity.

Okoro, who said this at the handover ceremony in Abuja, revealed that the district intended to commit N150 million in Rotary’s seven areas of focus with three priorities.

According to her, the priorities include finishing the fight against polio, saving mothers and children through better healthcare and lifting communities through economic empowerment.

The new Rotary International District Governor for 2025/2026 said her mission was to serve with compassion, advocate relentlessly to deliver tangible change according to the Rotary’s legacy.

”Today marks the beginning of a new Rotary year, where we Unite for Good—not just in words, but through bold action.

”As District Governor, my mission is clear: to serve with compassion, advocate relentlessly, and deliver tangible change in our focus areas.

”Rotary’s legacy is built on results. From nearly eradicating polio to empowering communities worldwide, we prove that collective action transforms lives,” he said.

Okoro explained further that, ”broadly speaking, Rotary’s seven areas of focus are: peace and conflict prevention and resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water, sanitation and hygiene.

”Others are maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development and supporting the environment.

”Within the priorities which were taken from the seven areas of focus, there are key areas to turn these priorities into impact.

” We are 99.9 per cent on the way there but the last mile demands our urgency,” she said.

She added that the district had taken action to mobilise a wide advocacy in securing government and donor’s supports for polio funding with local leaders as patterns in high risk areas to boost vaccination campaigns.

”Every Rotarian can be an advocate, share Rotary polio story, donate to the foundation and demand political commitment until we certify that the world is polio free.

”No mother should die giving life, no child’s future should be cut short by preventable causes,” she said.

Okoro, while speaking on the 2025/2026 project on prenatal care expansion, urged partner with clinics to provide screenings, nutrition kits, and maternal education in underserved areas.

According to her, the project includes neonatal survival initiative to train health workers and equip hospitals with the essential supplies to mobilise health units.

She said that it also included deploying Rotary funded clinics to reach communities.

Also speaking, Mr Mike Ukachi, the outgoing Rotary District Governor, expressed gratitude to God for a successful service year, adding that he assumed office with utmost excitement.

He appreciated the members and leaders for their support in carrying out highly impactful projects, noting that the club had contributed substantially to the Rotary Foundation.

“Today, with a high sense of fulfilment to the Glory of God, sincere gratitude to all Rotarians, leaders and supporters of the District, I am pleased to hand over to you, a vibrant district.

”A District standing on a very solid foundation, and already set for the destined flight to glory,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Isaac Aregbesola