By Paul Olayemi

The Rotary Club of Sapele Urban witnessed a momentous occasion as it ushered in a new era of service and impact with the installation of its 10th President, Rotarian Festus Emoefe Oseni.

The event which took place at Tosenat 3 events hall on the 25th of August, 2024, in Okirighwre, drew a distinguished gathering of Rotarians from across District 9141, dignitaries, and well-wishers to the timber town.

Amidst an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared purpose, Rotarian Oseni, a figure known for his dedication and vision, took the helm, promising a year brimming with transformative initiatives and impactful community engagement. The “Year of Magic” Rotarian Oseni said will signifies a commitment to transparency, wonder, and surpassing expectations in service delivery.

“I am deeply humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me to serve as the president of our beloved club,” expressed Rotarian Oseni, his voice resonating with a blend of humility and determination. “As we embark on this magical year, I am reminded of the profound impact we can have on our community and beyond when we come together with sheer purpose and dedication.”

Central to his leadership approach, Rotarian Oseni unveiled his “3 Ts” strategy – Time, Talent, and Treasure – pledging to invest each element wholeheartedly into the club’s activities. This strategic approach, he emphasized, would be instrumental in building upon the legacy of his predecessor, Rotarian Adanma Eguvwebere and propelling the Rotary Club of Sapele Urban to new heights.

“Rotary has always been about creating magic in people’s lives,” Rotarian Oseni passionately declared. “Whether it’s through our service projects or commitment to peace and understanding, or our effort to make the world a better place. As president, I promise to dedicate my time, talent, and treasure to the noble cause of Rotary.”

The installation ceremony was not merely a changing of the guard; it served as a platform to recognize and celebrate the unwavering commitment of individuals who have consistently embodied the Rotary spirit. Deserving personalities and Rotarians were honored with awards of recognition, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to Rotary International and their unwavering dedication to humanitarian service.

Furthermore, in a powerful testament to the club’s commitment to empowering the community, 15 individuals were granted interest-free revolving loans of ₦100,000 each. This initiative underscored the Rotary Club of Sapele Urban’s dedication to fostering economic growth and opportunity within the community it serves.

The incoming president’s vision resonated deeply with the dignitaries present. Rotarian Anthony Wogheren, the District Governor Elect of Rotary International, overseeing Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states, expressed his optimism for the year ahead.

“The ceremony has been for me a very huge success. I’m happy with what I saw, the quality of awardees that they have and the support they’ve gotten for this Rotary year,” remarked Rotarian Wogheren. “My expectation is that they will carry out impactful projects in Sapele to ensure that Rotary moves to the next level in Sapele. That’s our aspiration.”

He further elaborated on the club’s commitment to addressing critical needs within its seven areas of focus: water and sanitation, basic education and literacy, economic growth, maternal and child health, disease prevention and peace and conflict resolution, and protecting the environment.

Rotarian Richard Randy Okotie, who played a pivotal role as the installation chairman, expressed his satisfaction with the seamless execution of the event and offered words of guidance to the newly installed president.

“When I was made the installation chairman, I said I was going to put in my best, we succeeded, my expectations were surpassed by our performance,” stated Rotarian Okotie. “I will counsel the current president, Rotarian Emoefe Oseni, that he should act accordingly with the confines and Constitution of Rotary, which I know he is going to do.”

Echoing the sentiment of continued support, Immediate Past President, Rotarian Adanma EGUVWEBERE
, expressed his confidence in Rotarian Oseni’s leadership.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank the club, my family and the community for all we achieved this past year and I want to assure the incoming president that I’m going to give him all the needed support he would ever want from me,” assured Rotarian Eguwebere. “We have already started, currently I am the secretary of his board and I hope that with God by our side we are going to exceed expectations and perform the magic Rotary has been known for all through the years.”

The installation ceremony of Rotarian Festus Emoefe moefe Oseni as the 10th President of the Rotary Club of Sapele Urban marked the beginning of a promising chapter in the club’s history. With a clear vision, a dedicated team, and the unwavering support of the community, the “Year of Magic” promises to be a testament to the transformative power of Rotary.