The rotary club of Nigeria 9141 district has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevowri for providing a conducive environment for the three day conference held at the secretariat of the Delta state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The club also commended the international president of the club for finding Nigeria fit and sending a president nominee, Mario Caesar to represent him in the three day conference.
The conference with the theme “Hope to the World” had representatives from Canada, Switzerland and across the four states that make up the 9141 district. Governor Oborevowori was represented by the state commissioner for primary education, Kingsley Ashibuogwu.
In the event, the governor urged the rotarians to employ their connections and strength of the organization to develop Nigeria and Delta state. He told them that the country is grappling with insecurity and economic challenges. He urged them to use their good offices and international connections to rescue Nigeria.
Besides thanking the governor and international president nominee for their presence at the three day conference, the resolution read by Ikponmwosa Ogiemudia, past district governor from rotary club of Ekpan, Warri, also thanked past governors, rotary members, organizing committee and guests for making the conference a memorable one.
In a panel discussion moderated by past district governor, Nze Anizor of Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, Rivers state with Tony Olikagu, Kelechi Ekerie and Chugo Nwagwu from Yenagoa, Port Harcourt and Switzerland respectively as panelists, the rotary called on members to make club fellowships attractive to both members and non-members alike.
The discussion with the theme: “Making Our Clubs Irresistible in Challenging Times”, challenged club members across the four states and beyond to make the club so tempting and alluring that members would find it difficult to leave and non-members will find it the best place for solace in a hopeless world.
Kelechi, Tony and Chugo revealed issues that leaders and members should focus on that would help sustain the life of the rotary clubs across districts in Nigeria. They also highlighted issues of integrity, trust and accountability as some of the good qualities of leadership that could endear their members to them.
The three panelists spoke on how they run the affairs of their different groups that led to growth, success and sustainability of members. They revealed essential guidelines for leaders, helpful hints and the exemplary lifestyle of a leader.
“We should make our clubs attractive. Our core values have actually made it simple. Our fellowships should not be a formal one. We should provide leadership that people can trust. Leaders that people trust lead by examples. Members emulate such leaders.
“Our club environment should be welcoming. That you are the leader does not mean you should impose your ideas on others. Our projects should be impactful,” the panelists told the conference participants.
On issues of integrity, they argued that leaders must demonstrate trust, provide structured reports, saying integrity is an attribute that speaks for itself. They advised rotary leaders of all categories to manage the diversity of different members among them.
The three-day event began on Thursday through to Saturday, May 11, 2024. It began with a press conference with district governor, Emeke Utebor, through to the main event which held on Friday where different speeches were delivered with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and others making separate statements.
The event exposed the core values of rotary, issues of love, forgiveness and hope for a world filled with hatred and suspicion.
