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From TCNEWS

As the world celebrates the 118 birthday anniversary of Rotary International, Rtn. Grace Okaro, the Rotary International District Governor, District 9142, has assured that Rotarians would continue to sustain its commitment to humanitarian service.

Speaking during the anniversary celebration jointly organized by the Rotary Club of Umuahia and Umuahia North District 9142 in Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State, Rtn. Okaro pointed out that Rotarians strongly believe that they have a shared responsibility to take action on the world’s most persistent issues.

Throwing more light on the celebration, Okaro said, “Annually, 23rd February marks an important date for us as Rotary Members, for on this day in 1905, Rotary, one of the world’s first service organizations, was founded by Paul Percy Harris. Harris, a young Attorney who was new in Chicago went in search of companions but hanging out with three of his friends and clients on 23rd February 1905, unknowingly started what metamorphosed into the Rotary Club of Chicago and by extension, Rotary as we perceive it today. It later provided opportunity for professionals with diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.

“At some point, these group of friends decided to make some impact in their community and built the first public toilets which became a reference point for Rotary Service Projects. Since then, Rotary has continued its commitment to humanitarian service in seven areas of focus – Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention; Maternal and Child Health; Disease Prevention and Treatment; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene; Community Economic Development; Basic Education and Literacy and Supporting the Environment.

“This year marks the 118th anniversary of Rotary and Rotary members have reasons to celebrate the numerous milestones of Rotary since inception. Rotary members see opportunities to provide solutions in every challenge. Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. We have engaged our passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects in our various areas of focus, always working together to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.

“We believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues through our over 46,000 clubs using our over 1.4 million members across the globe”.

Okaro, who congratulated Rotary members across the globe for sustaining the movement for the past 118 years especially those of District 9142, Nigeria which she oversees as the District Governor, for their passion, zeal and commitment in delivering innovative and impactful service projects and programmes across the globe and in our communities respectively.

“Your imaginations in service delivery have gone haywire and I am proud to be your Leader in this very unique year that Rotary celebrates its highest mark of diversity, equity and inclusion. Let’s continue with the action to finish strong. I wish you a very eventful anniversary as you turn out more mind-blowing activities and programmes to mark this year’s anniversary”, the District Governor who is also the lead speaker and whose lecture dwelt on the topic: “Rotary Creates Change in our Communities and in us”, further stated.

Contributing, the Assistant Governor Zone 4, Rtn. Sunny Megwara further said that, ‘the World Rotary Day, is a day where, we, as Rotarians, feel proud and celebrate the achievements and successes of all the Rotarians across the world for doing good things for the community”.

In their respective speeches, the Synergizer Presidents of the Rotary Clubs of Umuahia, Rtn. Adaeze Iroegbu and Umuahia North, Rtn. Geraldine Onuorah described the 118th Anniversary of Rotary International, as a day dedicated to celebrating the founding of Rotary by Paul Harris in 1905.

The Synergizer Presidents who shared their inspiring journey with Rotary, expressed their gratitude towards the Rotarians of District 9142 and the members of Rotary Clubs of Umuahia and Umuahia North for their profound impact on their lives and for contributing to Rotary and society through various initiatives.

According to Rtn. Adaeze Iroegbu, “Rotary through its activities has given a platform for humanity to be affected by being in the forefront of polio eradication”.

Rtn. Adaeze Iroegbu (PHF) who exposed and expounded the Rotary impact on humanity through philanthropy and service, said, Rotary is a perfect description of philanthropy and service to humanity.

She further described Rotary as a leading Nongovernmental organisation that has distinguished itself in Nigeria and the world.

“It wasn’t easy to come by, i am excited and elated to be alive to celebrate Rotary at 118. Rotary Club has been doing good around the world. Rotarians do a lot of humanitarian services, making the world habitable. Without Rotary, there will be no better cohabitation in the world. Also a striking thing about this 118 anniversary is that for the first time, we having a woman, Jennifer Jones as the Rotary International President taking the lead and in our District 9142, Rtn. Grace Okaro serving as the District Governor and me, Rtn. Geraldine Onuorah also serving as the Synergizer President of Rotary Club of Umuahia North”, Rtn. Onuorah, the Synergizer President of Rotary Club of Umuahia North also pointed out.

The event which featured the cutting of the Rotary anniversary celebration cake; PAG Ogechi Oguama’s birthday cake @50; American auction sales, saw a Past District Governor of District 9125, PDG Greg Chido Amajuoyi and his Rotary-Ann Barr Mercy Greg Chido Amajuoyi; Past Assistant Governor Ucheoma Amechi PHF, of Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Airfield, District 9141, Synergizer President Obasi Vivian, who is a Charter President of one of the new clubs in Owerri, Imo state, Elder Allison Obiajunwa, Consultant Zik FM Radio, Umuahia, among other Rotarians, Rotaractors and guests in attendance.