By Deborah Akpede
Mr Adeniyi Adegbite, the new President of Rotary Club of Gbagada South in Lagos State, has offered an insight into how he joined the international humanitarian organisation.

Adegbite told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that his commitment to humanitarian services and poverty alleviation inspired him to join Rotary Club.

NAN reports that Adegbite was installed as the 23rd President of Rotary Club of Gbagada South for the 2025/2026 Rotary year on Saturday in Lagos.

The investiture ceremony, themed “Unite for Good,” marked the formal handover of leadership from Mr Olushanu Afolabi to Adegbite.

Adegbite said his passion for service and desire to effect meaningful change in society all contributed to his joining the club.

“I have always been passionate about seeing positive change around me and being part of that change.

“Before joining the club, I was involved 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, ”he said.

Adegbite, who assumed office on July 1, said he had grown the club’s membership from 86 to 101.

The president listed projects he executed to include a computer literacy initiative for public school pupils

He also cited the establishment of a computer centre equipped with 10 new computer set and a power generator as well as 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 a public secondary school in Agege.

” It will serve as an advanced learning hub designed to promote research, creativity and knowledge sharing,” he said.

NAN further reports that the club has launched a no-interest micro-loan 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.

Speaking further on his achievements, Adegbite said he had led the club in making significant contributions in education, health, environment and economic empowerment.

“Some of our achievements include the donation of an electronic library to the Computer Centre in Araromi for use by four public nursery and primary schools in Gbagada.

“The club also facilitated the formation of two Rotakids Clubs namely Araromi Nursery and Primary School Rotakids Club and Kiniun-Ifa Nursery and Primary School Rotakids Club.

“To promote environmental sustainability, we embarked on a tree-planting exercise in both schools, creating a cleaner and greener learning environment.

“In the area of maternal and child health, we donated care materials to over 60 pregnant women at the Mascar Primary Health Centre, Ketu.

“We also provided interest-free loans to 10 traders and sponsored 10 youths from Eva Adelaja Secondary School and the Gbagada community to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA 2025) at the Sea School, Apapa,” he said.

Adegbite gave an assurance that his administration would continue to 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 lasting impact and change lives.

“My administration will prioritise teamwork, transparency and innovation in delivering service,” he added.

In his goodwill message at the investiture ceremony, Mr Abdul-Kabir Ogungbo, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tax and Revenue, said Rotary’s values of community service align with the state’s developmental goals.

He described Adegbite as a leader with integrity, humility and vision, urging stakeholders to support the club’s initiatives.

Also speaking, Lanre Adedoyin, District Governor, District 9112, 2025/2026 Rotary year, commended the club for its consistent record of excellence.

He described the investiture as a reaffirmation of Rotary’s value of good leadership.

Adedoyin urged the new president to uphold Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” while deepening community impact through sustainable projects.

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 Mufutau Ojo