By Paul Olayemi

The Rotary Club of Sapele Gateway have held their colourful installation ceremony with much pomp and pageantry in Tosenat 3 at Okirighwre in Sapele, Delta state on Sunday 1st of September 2024, as Rotarian Oghenevwaire Efevwerha Ogodo was unveiled as the 6th President to steer the affairs of the club for the 2024-25 Rotary year.

Attended by big wigs in the District like the Governor Rotarian Chiedu Ikegwuani and past top officials, excitement was in the air as the club outlined its ambitious plans to touch lives in the community.

Installation Chairman and illustrious past leader Rotarian Tosan Happy Mene praised Ogodo’s integrity and commitment, saying “she has been with the club from day one and contributed massively to its growth.” He installed her to widespread applause. Immediate past President Daniel Aghwana also thanked members for supporting his tenure, urging them to extend same to Ogodo.

In her speech, the ebullient new President expressed joy at the opportunity to serve. “This year has been tagged the Magical Year. Rotary does magic not by throwing wands but by transforming lives,” she said. She revealed projects in health, literacy, peace and the environment aimed at reaching every resident with Rotary’s magic.

Some of these include renovating primary healthcare centres, distributing maternal and child health kits, promoting books and holding career guidance sessions in schools. “With the donations here, we can accomplish all our goals and maybe even more,” Ogodo boldly stated.

The club also awarded top performers like Foundation Chair Dr Celestine Iyamu and others for their service to Rotary’s ideals. District Governor Chiedu Ikegwuani who pledge hos total support said, “She needs the cooperation of all. We are here to back her plans,” he assured.

Another Rotarian, Dr Wale Chris emphasized the importance of charity. “Giving to the needy through Rotary and my church is what I live for,” he declared. Past AG Ernest Atsenuwa expressed confidence in Ogodo’s ability while Past President Happy Mene said she would get his maximum support, describing her as “a woman of integrity who has been there from the beginning.”

With such an auspicious beginning, observers believe the Magical Year will surely transform Sapele through the magic spells of its ambitious new Rotary President Oghenevwaire Efevwerha Ogodo and her charged-up team of volunteers. The future looks bright under her inspiring leadership.