DRR ADDRESS NOTE- JANUARY, 2022

(VOCATIONAL SERVICE MONTH)

It gives me immense pleasure to greet you all happy new month and brand new year. It is a dream come true seeing you all crossover with your loved ones joyously in Year 2022. Glory be to God!

Today also is significant in the Rotary calendar. It simply means we have successfully passed half Rotary year. Realizing this, it is imperative that I reflect on the journey so far. There is no doubt we have achieved pretty much together, particularly the support and unity to bring Rotaractors together for fun, fellowship and service.

Dear Changemakers, in the first half of the year, we have been able to improve on partnerships to enhance more impact; notably, we established a sustainable partnership with strong social and business organization-Lagos Country Club and Excellence Hotel- to raise more fund to The Rotary Foundation to support the massive donation of Rotaractors.

We also partnered with the Lagos State Government in which 3 Government owned Vocational Centers were released to Rotaract District for 3 month to train young people. The program that has not less that 300-400 participants being trained in different areas of vocational skills of interest.

There was also a Brachial Plexus Injury Awareness in partnership with Conquering BPI, One Young World and Rotaract Club of Medilag Golden to educate and train local bone setters. A project that also had TV appreance for our crop of finest Rotaractors.

I am particularly excited that we have also look within for formidable partnership to change lives. We partnered with two Rotaract Districts (9141 & 9142) for Mental Health project to commemorate World Mental Health Day. It is my joy that we are advancing the vision of Rotary International through collaboration, we also had a joint Family of Rotary celebration with Rotary District and of course still the biggest of its kind for Rotaract District.

These partnerships are establishing a sustainable trends and we are confident to seal more partnership as we proceed through the second half of the year.

As Rotaract District, other activities and projects we have done include organizing soft skills training, tree planting/tree tagging project, great trek in which Oto Awori community and its environ will not forget our impact in a hurry. The Membership seminar has enhanced improved membership quality where Rotaractors now indulge in best practices, participate in District activities and exhibit great ethics within and outside Rotary cycle. We also welcomed 4 new Rotaract Clubs which now takes our numbers to 76 clubs.

Administratively, we have taken the bold step to turn the Rotaract office to place of rich history where Rotaractors can be inspired to do more in service to humanity by unveiling Hall of Fame of our Past District Rotaract Representatives.

The records are there to see and I am really humbled for all the things we have achieved together because I couldn’t have wished for better volunteers like you who are changing the narratives in all ramifications. I say a big thank you to everyone from the depth of my heart.

DISTRICT UPDATES
The application for the District 9110 Educational Welfare and Endowment Fund scholarship is ongoing to support indigent but brilliant students in Lagos and Ogun state. Late last month, I however written to the office of the District Governor to specially solicit the committtee to also consider indigent but brilliant students who schools outside the Lagos and Ogun state but are bonafide and active Rotaractors of District 9110 . I believe there is no harm in attempting new thing, therefore, we hope to have positive response from the Rotary District where more Rotaractors can be open to more opportunities.

RYLA
The Rotary Youth Leadership Award is starting on Friday 7th - Saturday 15th January, 2022. Rotaract District will be hosting fellowship with the RYLA participants on Friday 14th January 2022 by 2pm. Rotaractors are all invited to join the fellowship with RYLA participants. I have also encouraged the Changemaker Presidents to seize the opportunity at RYLA ground to attract new membes to their clubs through branding, club project exhibition and other items worth sharing to the interest of the RYLA participants. The District is also open to new ideas that can be taken to the RYLA Participants capable of human capacity development.

COUNCIL MEETING
The third council meeting will be holding on Saturday 22nd January, 2022 in Ijebu. The council meeting is statutory meeting for Rotaract Club and District leaders to share information about the District and other relevant matters. Further details of the council meeting will be made available in due time as necessary.

DISTRICTING
The districting of our dear district is very much on course and gathering momentum. All procedures are well in order.

DRR VISIT
I have been able to visit 20 Clubs from the available 24 weekends in the first Rotary year. The DRR visit has been challenging traversing the nucks and crannies of Lagos and Ogun State but it has been full of knowledge sharing, strategies and adventurous.

PROJECTS UPDATE
The ongoing 3-month Vocational training will end this January. Lagos State Government will issue certificate to the trainees after the closure. In the bid to not just leave the graduating trainees with only the Certificate we have started sending proposals for partnership to help empower at least the best student in each of the skills with basic start-up equipment while we still work on submitting the data of certified students to Lagos State Employment Trust Fund. Let me seize this medium to reach out and seek sponsorship from well-meaning individuals and Rotary/Rotaract Clubs who have passion for himan development for sponsorship and or links to sponsorship. Rotaract District is open to sustainable partnership

Just as we have been able to coordinate projects in the first half of the year, we shall consolidate on our efforts to do more in second half also.

Distinguished members of Rotary family, the second half of the year will definitely come with its own challenges, probably tougher than the ones we have experienced in the first half. However, I have high optimism that we will together do more because of our determination to succeed together, strength and unity of purpose. I therefore urge you and seek more support even as we proceed in this very first day because as changemakers, we are committed to just one thing- serve to change lives.

Happy new year 2022!

Ayodeji Ezekiel Sobowale
District Rotaract Representative 2021-22
Rotary International District 9110.
drrdeji2021.22@gmail.com

DG MESSAGE- JANUARY, 2022.

“Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?”

Since we are not ingrates, I say NONE of the bounties of our Lord will be denied by us. Let me start with a heart full of gratitude for His grace that has made us to witness this New Year 2022 as I say HAPPY NEW YEAR! This moment signals the beginning of the second half of our Change Maker Year.

I cannot but to thank each and every member of our organisation, Rotary International and in particularmembers of RI District 9110, for your support during the first half of the Rotary year. I am pleased with our modest achievements as a District during the first half for the obvious reason that we are playing the District’s role as stated in Article 17.10.1 of RI Code of Policies dated August 2021.

This is what the article says: “A District is a group of clubs within a geographical boundary established by the Board. The purpose of a District is to strengthen and support the clubs. Districts are not required to complete a particular service project or programme. (April 2018 Mtg. BD. Dec. 160)”

On this note, I am happy to say we have done what is expected of our District and majority of our clubs have been strengthened and supported in such a way that our agenda for the 2021- 22 Rotary Year in growing Rotary is not in any way challenged.

However, the year is just half way gone, so we still have plenty of time to ‘BEAT THE CLOCK’ because we have so many of goals that have not been achieved.

REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE FIRST HALF YEAR

The visit of Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta and his spouse, Rashi, to Nigeria between 2ndand 7th September, 2021 was hugely successful. OurDistrict Leaders and Rotarians received our august visitors on September 2 during the visit of the RI President and spouse.

It was a high profile event that took the RI President, spouse and Rotary Leaders in Nigeria to visit President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. I’m happy to report that it was a remarkablevisit. I cannot thank Rotarians enough for the support that contributed to the success of the visit.

HALF YEAR REPORT BY CLUBS

Rotarians, you know we designate each month for specific causes. Our Clubs and District committees lived up to expectation in marking various activities. Indeed, we truly served to change lives.

It has been a half year full of activities in which the District Governor was always invited but regrettably,due to time constraint, not many invitations werehonoured. But I am aware that our Change Maker Presidents and Committee Chairs appreciate myregular engagements with them.

It is time for Clubs to put together half year reports in line with the Guidelines for Awards and Recognition for Clubs and individuals as released by the District. I am very sure our clubs will prepare detailed reports of activities, upload goals achieved in the Rotary Club Central (RCC) for the half year to reflect how we have served and changed lives in our various communities.

ONGOING PROJECTS

A review of the expired District Strategic Plan has commenced, EREY promotion is still on going, unveiling of Hall of Fame where our past most outstanding presidents’ portraits are displayed, Zonal Multi-club Training Seminars were held at various zones and will continue, necessary instruments for operating District Economic and Empowerment Programme (DEEP) were worked on and the loans willbe granted in the month of January under the supervision of DEWEF.

DEMISE OF ROTARIANS

We appreciate God for His grace that has kept those of us that are alive until this moment. It is not because we are saints or special people with extraordinary talents and manners that He spared us from the cold hands of death either by Covid-19 that is ravaging our world or other forms of death.

Regrettably, some of our colleagues were not that lucky and passed on. They were with us this time last year but are no more today. Our District 9110 lost sixRotarians including a Past District Governor, Rotarian Ezekiel Olalekan Ogundimu, in the last six months. May I request we observe a minute silence for the repose of their souls whenever we read up to this point of this address.

DISTRICTING AGENDA

We rounded up the first half year with the Districting Agenda when we sent out ballot to clubs for their votesto confirm their support or otherwise for the agenda. Having attained the membership figure that has positioned us to pursue our agenda for splitting the District into two, it gladdens my heart that the responses of District Leaders, Rotarians and indeed our clubs have been very encouraging.

I see us having a resounding YES vote for the splitting agenda. Let me thank you in advance of a life time achievement in the history of Rotary International District 9110. I want to assure you that the confidence reposed in the District leadership will not be taken for granted and we shall deliver as mandated.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE 2ND HALF OF THE YEAR (JANUARY – JUNE, 2022)

We shall use the second half of the year to consolidate the gains of the first half and start preparing ground for birthing the two new Districts (District 9111 and District 9112). I want to specially recognise the role of the District Governor Elect, Rotarian Omotunde Lawson and the District Governor Nominee, Ifeyinwa Ejezie in the splitting agenda so far.

RYLA

The Rotary Youth Leadership Academy will run between 7th and 15th January, 2022 at NYSC Camp, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos. The theme for this year’s RYLA is ‘Youths Serving to Change Lives’. Over 800 youths will be attending the academy to learn about leadership, citizenship, vocational activities amongstother activities.

The Chairman of RYLA, Past President Dare Adeyerihas assured of a RYLA that would create a wholesome experience for the participants and other stakeholders like never before. May I use this opportunity to request our leaders to join the committee to show our youths how to be great people in life.

ADOPT A SCHOOL PROJECT (WASH)

This legacy project whereby clubs are expected to adopt public primary schools in their communities with a view to providing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) under TRF is on. Clubs have started to show interest in the project and the issue of international partners is being sorted out. The project is expected to be delivered in the next few months.

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION FUND RAISING DINNER

The Rotary Foundation (TRF) dinner will be held on Saturday 19th February, 2022. A new concept is being introduced in our fund raising effort through TRF Fund Raising Dinner. The event is meant to raise funds for TRF; therefore all tickets will be denominated in US Dollars. Each ticket will be sold for a minimum of 100 USD which will go into individual Rotarian’s TRF account as against using income from ticket sales to run the dinner.

The committee in charge under the leadership of PP Niyi Adelaja is fine tuning the workability of the new concept.

DEWEF FUND RAISER AND APPRECIATION DINNER

A dinner to raise funds for DEWEF and appreciate clubs and individuals who have significantly supported DEWEF will hold on 19th March, 2021.

DG’s VISIT TO CLUBS

As at the close of the first half of the Rotary Year in December 2021, a total of 84 Rotary Clubs have been visited by the DG. I hope to visit the remaining clubsbefore the end of February 2022. The club visits have been full of fun, in addition to being motivational, inspirational and knowledge sharing with ourselves. I thank all the clubs that received me and my team and those that are looking forward to my visit this year.

DISTRICT CONFERENCE (DISCON) 2022

Preparation for DISCON 2022 holding in Abeokuta, Ogun State from May 12 – 15, 2022 is gathering momentum. The conference is the equivalent of an Annual General Meeting in the corporate world. It is the gathering of Rotarians from our District and other Districts with RI President's Representative in attendance to give the President’s address.

Motivational speakers have been invited to address participants while the House of Friendship on this occasion is very limited in number but with varieties of Rotary merchandise and opportunity to meet old and make new friends. The closing dinner will beentertained by a first class musician still kept under wrap.

ON TO HOUSTON CONVENTION 2022

The Rotary International Convention is holding between 4th and 8th June, 2022 in Houston, Texas, USA. The little set back we have is the reluctance of the American Embassy to entertain group visas processing. Rotarians are encouraged to apply and confirm appointments on their own and process their entry visas.

The On-To-Houston Convention Committee of the District under its Chairman, PAG Niyi Adesanya, isgoing ahead with the plan to receive the attendees at the Convention in Houston. I want to assure all the attendees of special treatment as I will personally be on ground to welcome those who are able to make it to Houston in the company of the Committee Chairman.

DG SPEAKS – INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK FORUM

We shall continue with the novel feedback mechanism from Rotarians through the ‘DG Speaks’ initiative by the District Public Image Committee Chaired by PP Michael Effiong James. I want to thank those whohave participated in the past editions and implore others to seize the opportunity to be part of the running of our District by your questions and comments during the programme. The first edition this New Year will hold on Thursday 6th January, 2022. PP MichaelEffiong James will provide further information on the virtual meeting.

“Together we can, together we will”.

Let me end this address by thanking you, on behalf of myself and my wife, Nike, for your support to date and plead that the job is half done. The clock is still begging to be beaten; let us continue to Beat the Clockand be the confirmed ‘Change Makers’ as we ‘serve to change lives’.

Remi Bello, FCA
DISTRICT GOVERNOR
Rotary International District 9110

RI PRESIDENT MESSAGE - JANUARY, 2022.

December 2021

Public health is on everyone’s mind due to the global pandemic that still threatens the safety of ourselves and our loved ones. In a sense, COVID-19 has made all of us much more aware of the roles and responsibilities of medical professionals than we were before we had to wear masks and maintain social distance. In addition, while moving through this pandemic, we have also learned about the role we can play in keeping others safe.

December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month in Rotary. The pandemic unfortunately has schooled most people on the toll that disease takes on our communities. But fighting disease is something that Rotarians around the world have been doing for decades. In fact, it is one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus.

As Rotarians, we believe that good health and well-being is a human right — even though 400 million people across the globe do not have access to essential health services. The work we do in establishing clinics, eye hospitals, and blood banks, as well as in building infrastructure for medical facilities in underserved communities, all returns to a central belief that access, prevention, and education are the keys to stopping deadly outbreaks that harm the most vulnerable.

My exposure to health work began with my Rotary club, Calcutta-Mahanagar. There, among other things, I helped pioneer a program called Saving Little Hearts that over the years has provided more than 2,500 free heart surgeries for children from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Africa. Before the program went international, it started locally with the goal of performing just six surgeries within our community. Today, our goal is to complete another 20,000 surgeries over the next five years.

The world relies on Rotary to tackle challenges like these and to set an example for others. Over the past decade, medical professionals and government workers have provided free health services to 2.5 million people in 10 countries during Family Health Days, which are organized by Rotarians around the world. Similar health camps in India also provide thousands of surgeries to those in need. Medical missions from India to Africa each year are an excellent example of hands-on service in disease prevention and treatment. Rotary members can also get involved at a local level; clubs in the United States and Mexico, for example, fund a free health clinic in Guerrero, a small town in Mexico.

And of course, our effort to eradicate polio is by far the best story in civil-society health care.

This month, think about how your club can focus on preventing and fighting disease. This is the time to take a bigger, better, bolder approach through both club and district projects that can impact more people. Re-evaluate where you are with your goals. Create strategies that can sustain change over years, not months.

Everyone deserves a long, healthy life. When you Serve to Change Lives, your actions today can help extend the lives of others.