Rotary Commits To End Sickle Cell, Other Seven Areas Of Focus – DG 9111, Dr Kukoyi
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The Pioneer President of District 9111, Rotary International, Dr Oluwole Kukoyi, has reaffirmed the group’s stand to end sickle cell, cancer, maternal and infant mortality diseases in Nigeria and world at large.
He said sickle cell disease is particularly common in African family background. It is a serious and lifelong health disease, although treatment can help manage many of the symptoms, hence the need for Rotary’s involvement in building a sickle cell centre with the donation of modern day equipments at State Hospital, Ota in Ogun State. This, will greatly enhance testing and diagnosis capacity to reduce death rate in the society, DG Kukoyi, added.
He also pledged the district more commitment to other Rotary seven areas of focus which comprises of “promoting peace building/conflict prevention; fighting disease; providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene; saving mothers and children; supporting education; growing local economies and protecting environment.”
These areas, according to the Dr Kukoyi who has been a medical entrepreneur for over four decades, reflect critical humanitarian issues and needs that Rotarians are addressing worldwide.
He made the pledge at a fundraising, award presentation and investiture as the pioneer District 9111 of the non-governmental organization at Balmoral Hall of Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.
Dr Kukoyi will supervise the activities of the district for the period of 365 days. He took over the baton from Immediate Past District Governor (IPDG), Mrs Ifeyinwa Ejezie who served as the DG in D9110 which transcend from July 1, to D9111 and D9112.
At the event were Wife of former Nigerian President, Mrs Bola Obasanjo; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Olota of Ota, Oba Abdulkabir Adeyemi Obalanlege; Senator Gbenga Kaka; Senator Lekan Mustapha; Senator Gbolahan Dada; CEO Frenchurch Group, Mr Olufemi Bakare; Prince Dr Julie Adelusi-Adeluyi, among others.
Also in attendance were rotary club members both local and international, religious leaders, traditional rulers, political giants and captain of all industries.
The programme featured cultural display, awards, induction of new members and book launch in honour of Dr Kukoyi’s biography, achievement and philanthropy.
In his inaugural speech, Dr Kukoyi promised to provide a responsible leadership with greater impact and increased participation.
“I welcome all Rotarians to a sparkling New experience, a refreshing newness and celebration of a new birth. Today marks a historic milestone in Rotary journey. Am very humble and excited that I lead District 9111 to a new era of service, growth and impact. July 1st 2024 signals a fresh start and new chapter in Rotary story. We are United in quest for excellence and passion for service, ready to embrace challenges and seize opportunities. Future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. We have imagined great things in service to humanity and we are defining our future by creating hope in the communities.
“Our theme for this rotary year is “Irresistible Magic of Rotary” this is not just a slogan, it is the essence of whom we are and what we do. It is the spark that ignites our passion for service, glue that binds us together in fellowship and fuel that drives us to make a difference. The magic of Rotary is about transforming lives, communities, and world at large. It is the impact we make when we come together, United in our pursuit of excellence, smiles we bring to children’s faces, the hope we give to those in need and joy we experiencing in serving others,” DG Kukoyi, explained.
He said his vision being the first D9111 governor is simple but very bold – “empowering Rotarians and enhancing impact. He vowed to strive deeply to make Rotary service organization of first choice, a beacon of hope and kindness in the communities.
Dr Kukoyi noted that all good thing that has happened in District 9110 will be carried over to D9111 and they will be done at a higher scale.
He commended his predecessor for running an open door policy, adding that his administration was built on integrity, transparency and accountability, appealing to all Rotary members to continue leveraging on the twin pillars of trust and integrity which is the Core values of the humanitarian service organization.
In her welcoming address, Chairman, installation committee, Mrs Funke Salau, said humanity is not just a lofty ideal but a practical guide of how lives should be lived, small act of kindness helping the needy when necessary and working together to address global challenges such as poverty, climate change and pandemics.
She said this epoch making event is to serve as avenue to raise funds for the star project ‘building of sickle cell centre with newest technology and equipment’.
According to her, the centre will provide confirmatory testing of newborns, screening exercise for sickle cell patient, genetic counseling among others and it will go along way to reduce or probably eradicate the disease in the society.
She expressed the determination of the club to increase its impact, service to humanity and expand its reach through participation in various projects.
She, therefore, solicited for moral and financial assistance concerning the capital base project from both government, individuals, corporate organizations, political stalwarts and captain of all industries to make the project a reality during this rotary service year. “Serving humanity is the best,” she added.
Speaking at the event, IPDG Ejezie solicited more support for the new DG to enable him record success in his tenure.
He noted that the District had achieved a lot in the last one year with charity projects across communities within its jurisdiction.
While thanking the club members for finding him worthy to serve as district governor, called for members support for the present administration, saying the district would only record success through their cooperation.
He said Rotary International as an international service organisation that had the purpose of bringing professional and business persons together to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and advance goodwill and peace around the world. Members certainly shared an uncommon comradeship that was needed to willingly give to charity, IPDG Ejezie, added.
Engr Salako-Oyedele commended Rotary Clubs International for considering the well-being of common masses as most paramount to their core values.
She said the emergence of Dr Kukoyi as Pioneer District 9112 Governor was not an accidental but based on his selfless service to humanity, noting that he has in various capacities, making significant contributions in making life meaningful to the less-priviledges in the society.
He reiterated Ogun State Government stand in supporting every Rotary clubs projects which is meant to improve the life of the needy.
