Dear Volunteers,
I welcome you to the month of May. The eleventh month of Rotary Calendar designated for Youth service.
It is almost unbelievable that the whole nationwide had spent more than a month in the lockdown due to the Corona Virus (COVID-19). According to history, we have headed towards the similarity of the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918; economy was grounded and movement restricted. However, let me reiterate my strong believe that the nation shall rid this pandemic very soon.
I do hope you are keeping safe and complying to the directives according to the health authorities. It is a phase; it shall pass.
The lockdown has forced a new way of life, albeit, creatively. In spite of the lockdown, Rotary/Rotaract have been doing the best to reduce the impact of the pandemic. I have the opportunity to preside the 3-day online Presidents Elect Training Seminar (PETS)/Club Officers Training Seminar (COTS) and I have also participated in more than 10 Rotary/Rotaract local and international meetings including an ongoing E-Ryla of District 3240, and also taking some online courses, thanks to the technology. I am certain that these new designs of technologies will have long impact in solving problems of clubs meeting venue, especially for newly formed clubs and keep them active before they get a permanent venue for physical meetings.
The Lagos State Government have announced gradual ease of lockdown from Monday May 4th, 2020 in tandem to the President Muhammad Buhari nationwide address in which some businesses are expected to commence operation. Also, the District Governor Jide Akeredolu has announced the re-opening of the District Office to commence operation. In other words, I also will be resuming to the Rotaract office at the District Centre on Monday May 4th 10am-3pm daily.
As the lockdown eases, we shall be making considerations regarding the remaining activities of the Rotaract District in this year. We shall be giving updates on District activities when need arises especially the District Conference. We remain hopeful that all efforts of government both at all level will flatten the curve as movement is about to commence and we keep monitoring the situation in another two (2) weeks.
Rotaract Clubs have started getting Rotary Citation award and I am happy that District 9110 is not lagging behind. Currently, more than 25 Clubs have gotten in various categories of Distinction. I want to congratulate all Clubs that have gotten and those still expecting to receive.
For Club Presidents who are yet to do it, try and meet with your sponsor Rotary President. Also eligible to fill the nomination form for the citation are Rotarian of your Sponsor Club or any District Board Members, they can assist you fill the form when you provide the required information of your Club and about the project you have carried out.
I am excited to have actually spent my lockdown holiday to assist quite a number of clubs to fill the nomination form which takes less than 30minutes and awaits further mails from R.I and District Governor. Also congratulations to clubs that already got certificate of participation of Rotaract Outstanding Project Awards, thumbs up👍
As movement begins in this month, be responsible and adhere to safety measures. The economy may affect but I advise you look for problem to solve; in adversity there are opportunities.
All things seem possible in “May”. As we have started the marvelous month of May, it is my supplication that May God see us through this tunnel and May we see the light after the tunnel.
I wish you Happy new month of May.
Thank you.
Constance Fifekemi Jaiyeola PHF
District Rotaract Representative 2019-20
R.I District 9110.
