- Rotary District 9112 installed Layi Abidoye as District Governor.
- Ambassador Abosede Ogundele received the Pillar of Service Award.
- The ceremony drew prominent guests to Lagos.
LAGOS — Rotary International District 9112 has ushered in a new era of leadership with the installation of Rotarian Layi Abidoye as its District Governor for the 2026/2027 Rotary year, while veteran Rotarian and Ambassador Abosede Esther Ogundele was honoured with the prestigious Pillar of Service (Opomulero) award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to humanitarian service.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the colourful installation ceremony took place on Saturday at the Harbour Point Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, attracting hundreds of Rotarians, traditional rulers, government officials, business leaders, diplomats, past district governors, international guests and other distinguished personalities from within and outside Nigeria.
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The event, which officially marked the commencement of Layi Abidoye’s one-year tenure as the third District Governor of Rotary International District 9112, celebrated Rotary’s enduring commitment to humanitarian service, community development and ethical leadership.
Activities began with the arrival of Rotarians and distinguished guests on the red carpet, followed by Rotary songs, the procession of the Council of Governors and the rendition of the National Anthem before the outgoing District Governor, Rotarian Lanre Adedoyin, FCIA, formally called the gathering to order.
The programme also featured the Rotary Grace, the recitation of the Object of Rotary and the Four-Way Test before guests were officially welcomed by the Chairman of the Installation Committee, AG Adekemi Ololade Folorunsho.
In his valedictory address, outgoing District Governor Lanre Adedoyin reflected on what he described as an eventful and impactful administration, highlighting achievements recorded during his tenure.
According to him, Rotary District 9112 witnessed remarkable growth in membership, increased contributions to the Rotary Foundation and expanded humanitarian interventions across communities.
He noted that the district commissioned and upgraded vocational training centres, strengthened its welfare initiatives and hosted several landmark projects that improved the lives of thousands of residents.
Adedoyin thanked members of the district, past district governors, Rotary clubs, partners and his family for their unwavering support throughout his administration.
“I came, I saw and I delivered,” he declared as he formally took his final bow as District Governor for the 2025/2026 Rotary year, receiving a standing ovation from guests.
One of the major highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the profile of the incoming District Governor by the District Executive Secretary, PAG Tony Eigbokhan, before the official installation of Rotarian Layi Abidoye.
Following the installation, royal blessings were pronounced while the newly installed governor received the symbols of office amidst applause from Rotarians and invited guests.
Delivering his inaugural address, District Governor Layi Abidoye expressed appreciation to members of Rotary District 9112 for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the district for the next one year.
He described the occasion as historic and pledged to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor by strengthening Rotary’s humanitarian programmes, expanding membership, promoting integrity and increasing the district’s impact in communities.
Abidoye said he was overwhelmed by the massive turnout at the ceremony, describing the gathering as a demonstration of the unity and strength of Rotary.
He also acknowledged the support of his family, past leaders, professional colleagues and members of the district, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him.
The Chairman of the Occasion challenged Rotarians to embrace innovation in addressing emerging global challenges.
He urged the organisation to deploy technology, including artificial intelligence, in tackling issues such as food insecurity, education, healthcare delivery and sustainable community development.
According to him, Rotary must continue to evolve by embracing innovative solutions capable of delivering lasting impact in communities.
The keynote speaker also challenged members to uphold the Rotary Four-Way Test, stressing that accountability, truth, fairness and service should remain the guiding principles of every Rotarian.
He encouraged members to become active advocates for responsible leadership and sustainable development while remaining committed to the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self.
Another high point of the ceremony was the conferment of the prestigious Pillar of Service (Opomulero) honour on Rotarian Ambassador Abosede Esther Ogundele.
The recognition was presented in appreciation of her years of exceptional commitment to humanitarian service, leadership development and support for Rotary’s numerous community-based interventions.
Guests applauded the honour, describing Ambassador Ogundele as a worthy recipient whose dedication to service has positively impacted countless lives across different communities.
The event also featured goodwill messages by Dr. Anthony Ani, OFR, while PDG Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, mni, OFR, LL.D, delivered an inspirational address that challenged Rotarians to remain steadfast in their commitment to service, integrity and nation-building.
Recognition of distinguished awardees, raffle draws and special performances added colour to the celebration before the Chairman delivered the closing remarks.
The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks, the singing of the National Anthem and a lively reception.
Popular Fuji musician Adewale Ayuba entertained guests with electrifying performances, bringing the event to a memorable conclusion as Rotarians, family members and invited guests celebrated the beginning of a new Rotary year under the leadership of District Governor Layi Abidoye.
The installation reaffirmed Rotary International District 9112’s commitment to advancing humanitarian service, promoting ethical leadership and creating sustainable impact across communities throughout the 2026/2027 Rotary year.
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