Eko Hot Blog reports that the Rotary Club of Gbagada in District 9110 marked a major milestone on Sunday, March 10th, 2024, with a grand 40th anniversary celebration held at the Yoruba Tennis Club in Lagos.
The event, themed “The Champion at 40,” commemorated four decades of the club’s impactful service to local and international communities.
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The anniversary gala was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Senator Adeniyi Adegbomire SAN, who chaired the occasion, as well as royal fathers and Rotarians from across Nigeria.
The ambiance was charged with pride and enthusiasm as members celebrated the club’s remarkable journey since its charter on February 27, 1984.
In her address, the visibly elated Club President, Rtn. Bunmi Oguntade, took the audience through the club’s shining history of achievements. “Since our chartering in 1984, we have remained a living, vibrant club, undertaking numerous impactful projects,” he declared.
A major highlight was the establishment of a children’s hospital in Gbagada in 1989 at a cost of N250,000, later remodeled in 2024 at 30 million Naira through a partnership with the George Foundation.
Rtn. Oguntade lauded the club’s recurring recognition with the Presidential Citation, revealing they had won it a remarkable 16 times. “There is no flaw in our achievement. It is to play one-man. Are we not champions? We are the champions at Rotary!” he affirmed amidst thunderous applause.
A hallmark of the event was the induction of three new honorary Rotarians: Mr. Shepu Akitemi, KC Mweri, and Mr. Dejian, whom Rtn. Mutari described as “solid men” with exemplary professional track records.
In inducting them, Rtn Oguntade said, “Today, by the power conferred on me as the 40th President of the Rotary Club of Gbagada, I am inducting you as Honorary Rotarians.”
Past District Governor Adewole Mbike specially commended Rtn. Oguntade, stating, “Here is the president, the woman who decided to remodel the building we had for some 35 years ago.”
A much-anticipated highlight was the unveiling of a commemorative book by Professor Olufemi Peters, Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria.
Rtn. Mutari recognized two of his childhood friends, Yemi Ndugu and Ashif Salame, who have generously supported Rotary’s medical initiatives by donating equipment to hospitals.
In his characteristically jovial manner, Rtn. Mutari shared some light-hearted moments, saying “This afternoon I want to tell you that by the grace of God, by the support of the board members and the entire club, we are going to do this afternoon. And I’ll be giving two minutes.”
The royal father of the day was the respected Oba (Dr.) Olubayo Windapo, the Alara of Ara Kingdom in Osun State.
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As the curtains drew on the epoch-making event, it was evident that the Rotary Club of Gbagada has firmly etched its name in the annals of Rotary International District 9110 as a pacesetter and “champion” in the sphere of humanitarian service.
The 40th anniversary celebration showcased the club’s resilience, camaraderie, and commitment to “serving humanity” in line with Rotary’s global vision.
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