..As New District Governor embarks on Multimillion naira Toilets, Water Boreholes, Dust to Desk, Spelling Bee Sponsorship for School children
By Uzo Ugwunze
Speaking at the International
Convention Centre (ICC) in Awka during the installation of Professor Nkemdili Nnonyelu as the eighth District
Governor of the Rotary International, District 9142, Governor Soludo who
congratulated the new Rotary governor, stressed that what Rotary does speaks to
the heart of what his administration is already doing in Anambra State.
The Governor of Akwa-Ibom,
Pastor Umo Eno represented by his Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong,
commended the Rotary International for inspiring value, change and love for the
society and its people.
The keynote speaker, former
governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, noted Nigeria’s challenges are not due
to a lack of resources but rather a severe leadership deficit.
“Despite Nigeria’s wealth of
resources, the country’s global standing has declined, primarily due to poor
governance. There is need for transformational leadership to address these
issues and steer Nigeria towards a more prosperous future. There is a worrying
decline in Nigeria’s economic trajectory.
In 1998, Nigeria’s economy grew
at less than 3%, improving to over 5% in 2019. However, the country’s per
capita income has plummeted from $3,200 in 2014 to $1,087 today. This economic
downturn has resulted in Nigeria having the highest number of homeless people
globally, with over 130 million Nigerians living below the poverty line, a
figure that has worsened significantly over the past eight years.”
Obi, attributed these dire
conditions to a legacy of poor leadership lacking in ethical, visionary,
competent, and compassionate qualities. Obi warned of long-term consequences,
such as the heavy burden of debt repayments starting in 2040, which will fall
on future generations.
He criticized the government’s
mismanagement, citing examples like overpriced contracts and a growing list of
abandoned projects. He also highlighted the rampant theft of Nigeria’s oil
resources, drawing attention to the challenges faced by businesses like
Dangote’s, with over 70% of Nigeria’s oil already mortgaged.
Earlier, the newly installed
District Governor, Rtn. Nnonyelu, a professor in the Sociology and Anthropology
department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, appreciated
Governor Soludo for his efforts in turning Anambra State around and revamping
the city of Awka and reiterated his attachment to the ideals of Rotary,
expressing optimism that with support, they will do well.
Nnonyelu, outlined Rotary’s
seven areas of focus for the year, which include Peace and conflict resolution,
Disease prevention and Treatment, water and sanitation, basic education and
Literacy, Economic and community development, and maternal and child health and
Improvement of the environment.
He emphasized Rotary’s
commitment to these causes, highlighting the organization’s values of
fellowship, integrity, diversity, service, and leadership.
"Across the 7 states, to
stop open defecation we shall embark on construction of toilet facilities and
drilling of water boreholes in 14 public primary schools at the cost of 70
million naira and 42 million respectively. Our Dust to Desk program shall seek
provision of classroom desk& chairs for pupils receiving lessons sitting on
bare floor at the cost of 17 million naira.
"Other programs include
sponsoring Spelling Bee competition for primary school pupils and Payment of
WASSCE fees for indigent secondary school students.
"Widows Empowerment scheme
for 350 vulnerable widows; maternal and child health programs for expectant,
nursing mothers and infants; Mental health assistance ,prostrate and breast
cancer screening, providing treated mosquito nets and insecticides against
malaria; Intensification of polio eradication advocacy. These multi million
naira projects are to be done by Rotarians and Friends of Rotary," said
Prof Nonyelu.
In his valedictory speech, the
outgoing District Governor, Akan Ema revealed that under his administration,
Rotary kept faith with it's tenet of adding value to the society and appreciated
all that supported them.
Meanwhile, once shrouded in a
cloud of mystery, Rotary International has been a subject of speculation, with
whispers of it being a secret cult synonymous with power and secrecy. However,
Rotarian Tochi Amalu, the District Public Image Chairman while briefing
journalists at the occasion, dispelled these misconceptions, shedding light on
the true essence of Rotary's mission.
"Rotary is not a secret
cult. The belief that Rotary is a secret cult is a product of misinformation
and hearsay. It is imperative for society to understand that Rotary is an
international service organization committed to making a positive difference in
the world."
Amidst the intrigue surrounding
Rotary's activities, Amalu explains that the organization's core values revolve
around fostering peace, goodwill, and better communities. With an altruistic
approach, Rotary dedicates its efforts to humanitarian causes, such as
eradicating polio, providing clean drinking water, supporting education, and
promoting sustainable development.
"We will embark on dust-
to-desk project, meaning that we want to ensure that primary and secondary
schools in the seven states (Anambra, Enugu, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River,
Akwa Ibom) in our District, start sitting on chairs instead of bare floor. We
are also embarking on providing toilet facilities like drilling of water
boreholes for some schools in the District, and we will also give stipends to
indigent widows in the society.
We hold open meetings, public
projects, and have ongoing partnerships with renowned institutions. These
partnerships have solidified Rotary's credibility, providing visibility and
validation from trusted entities.
"We aim to dismantle the
false narratives surrounding Rotary by showcasing the tangible results of our
projects, by sharing success stories, we can effectively bridge the gap between
Rotary and society. Through engaging community events, volunteer efforts, and
collaborative initiatives, Rotary members seek to establish meaningful
connections.
By involving the public in
their endeavors, Rotary aims to foster a more compassionate and inclusive
society. Our purpose is to bring about positive change, create lasting
friendships, and inspire others to join us on this journey."
Amalu who also lauded the new District Governor said, Prof. Nnonyelu will impact lives and create change that will make Rotary irresistible in the entire seven states he governs.
Moreso, the 41st President
Rotary in Awka, Dr. Nwabufo Nwankwo described the newly installed 8th District
Governor, Rotary International District 9142, for year 2024/2025, Rtn. Au.
Nkemdili Nnonyelu as a round peg in a round hole saying that they have implicit
confidence in him to lead the District to enviable heights having gathered
experience from handling several leadership positions both within and outside
Rotary International.
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