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Tag: Community Development

  • Rotary Nigeria Holds 2025 National Convention in Port Harcourt, Honours Gov Fubara

    Rotary Nigeria Holds 2025 National Convention in Port Harcourt, Honours Gov Fubara

    Rotary Nigeria hosted its 2025 National Convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, bringing together thousands of Rotarians and Rotaractors from November 20–22 to celebrate achievements and chart new directions for humanitarian growth. The annual event, known as the All Nigerian Rotary Convention (ANRC), highlighted Rotary Nigeria’s commitment to service, peacebuilding, and community development.The three-day convention attracted delegates from all 15 Rotary districts in Nigeria, alongside international guests. The gathering blended celebration with strategic dialogue focused on expanding initiatives in health, peace, education, and economic development.

    Activities opened with the Yinka Bonfire Night, a special tribute to Rotary International President-Elect Yinka Babalola, who will become the first Nigerian to lead Rotary International in its 120-year history when he assumes office for the 2026–2027 term. One of the highlights of the convention was the presentation of a Special Peace Award to Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara. The joint honour, presented by Nigeria’s Rotary districts, recognized the governor’s commitment to peace and inclusive development.Receiving the award on behalf of the governor, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, expressed the administration’s willingness to strengthen partnerships with Rotary on community-focused projects that improve lives across Rivers State.Delegates also heard a keynote address from the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, titled “Rebuilding a Fractured Nation.” Bishop Kukah praised Rotary’s culture of integrity and urged Nigerians to rebuild trust within families, institutions, and communities.RI President-Elect Yinka Babalola delivered a major address, “A New Dawn for Africa: Imperatives for Growth,” calling for stronger collaboration across districts, accelerated membership expansion, and increased support for The Rotary Foundation (TRF).

    TRF Trustee Chair, Ijeoma Okoro, reinforced the need to maximise global grants, reminding delegates of the Foundation’s four-star Charity Navigator rating and its growing impact across Africa.The convention also featured a series of technical and thematic sessions. Past District Governor Joshua Hassan led discussions on sustaining Nigeria’s polio-free status. Delegates reviewed major humanitarian projects including Together for Healthy Families Nigeria and the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge. PDGs Nze Anizor and Obafunsho Ogunkeye explored new strategies for modern volunteerism and membership development, while public-private partnership opportunities were spotlighted by development expert Ibim Semenitari.

    Rotaractors played a notable role throughout the weekend, pushing for dual membership, expanded mentorship, and stronger youth leadership structures within Rotary.District 9142 emerged winner of the inter-district cultural competition with a colourful performance that showcased Nigerian music, dance, and heritage.The 2025 ANRC closed with a renewed call for unity, collaboration, and service, with delegates reaffirming Rotary Nigeria’s mission to strengthen communities and build lasting peace across the country.

  • Gov. Ododo Launches Rural Electrification Project for 30 Kogi Communities

    Gov. Ododo Launches Rural Electrification Project for 30 Kogi Communities

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Friday launched the first phase of a statewide rural electrification project with the distribution and installation of 30 units of 500kVA transformers across 30 communities in the state’s three senatorial districts.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, the official flag-off ceremony was held at the Government House in Lokoja. Governor Ododo described the initiative as a significant step toward fulfilling his campaign promise to light up rural communities and empower citizens through improved access to electricity.

    He emphasized that the distribution process would be guided by fairness and balanced development across the state.

    “In the spirit of fairness and equity, I have directed that these 30 transformers be equitably distributed across the three senatorial districts,” Ododo stated.

    The governor explained that the electrification project was not merely about providing power but also about investing in the socioeconomic growth of Kogi communities.

    “Electricity is critical to our industrial drive and our determination to light up rural areas to enhance livelihoods and agriculture. This project is about lighting lives, powering education, supporting healthcare, and strengthening community security. Every part of Kogi State matters,” he said.

    Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing development projects that have a direct and lasting impact on the people. He assured residents that subsequent phases of the rural electrification programme would cover more communities across the state.

    The governor also urged community members to take ownership of the project by safeguarding the electrical equipment from vandalism and ensuring their proper use for the collective benefit of all.

    Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engr. Abdulmutalib Mohammed, said the project aligns with the ministry’s mandate to improve living standards in rural areas. He explained that transformer allocation was based on a technical assessment of community needs submitted to the ministry.

    Engr. Mohammed commended Governor Ododo for prioritizing the welfare of rural dwellers, many of whom had endured years of unreliable or nonexistent power supply. He added that the project represents a new chapter in the state’s commitment to sustainable rural development and energy access.

    The Phase One electrification rollout is expected to strengthen economic activity, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve social services such as education and healthcare in the benefiting communities.

    Governor Ododo concluded by reiterating that his administration would continue to pursue inclusive projects that promote equity, development, and prosperity for all citizens of Kogi State.