Rotarian Gbadebo Sheun Oyewo has been installed as 45th President of the Rotary Club of Akure, vowing that to implement impactful projects targeting underserved communities.
Oyewo made this known during his acceptance speech at the club’s 45th Investiture Ceremony, held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Rotary Club Civic Centre, Igbatoro Road, Akure.
The event also marked the formal inauguration of new board of directors for the 2025–2026 Rotary Year.
Outlining his agenda, Oyewo revealed that the club’s seven core areas of focus for the new Rotary Year would include: Basic Education and Literacy, Economic and Community Development, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Maternal and Child Health, Environmental Sustainability, Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene.
“In this Rotary Year, we will strive and stretch ourselves enough to touch as many underserved and unreached people as we can.
“This club will be collaborating with other Rotary Clubs, non-profit organizations, government agencies, individuals, and corporate bodies to achieve most of our goals,” he said.
In line with the Rotary Year’s global theme, “Unite for Good,” Oyewo emphasized the importance of collaboration and selflessness in humanitarian service. He stressed that the success of the club’s activities would depend on collective commitment and shared values such as time, talent, treasure, and trust.
A major highlight of his speech was the unveiling of the club’s Star Project: the establishment of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre for Imafon Community Secondary School in Akure North.
According to him, this Star Project follows the recent commissioning of a six-classroom block by the club and an equipped science laboratory provided by a sister Rotary Club at the same school.
“With the transition from paper-based to computer-based examinations, it is important that we bridge the digital gap and prevent students from falling behind due to lack of ICT exposure,” Oyewo said. “This project is our proactive response to ensure no child is left behind in the digital age.”
Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him despite being relatively new to the club, Oyewo pledged to uphold the ideals of Rotary through integrity, fairness, and service to humanity. He solicited the support of past presidents, board members, mentors, and his family in executing the club’s goals.
Earlier, in his handover speech, the outgone RC Akure President, Rotarian Kabiru Alawiye, thanked members of the club for making the task easier and smoother for him.
Congratulating the new president and board members, the Chairman of the occasion, Rotarian Bankole Desmond-Eke, charged them to preserve the dignity and sanctity of the club.
Represented by Rotarian Dayo Omotoyinbo, he urged the president to bring his expertise as a civil servant to bear in delivering purposeful leadership, while appealing to members to support him through the prompt payment of dues.
He also encouraged guests to consider joining the club, affirming that it is not a secret cult, but rather a platform to contribute to humanity and societal development.
The District Governor of Rotary District 9126, Rotarian Ken Funke-Akpo Batife, pledged his support for the club’s new administration and implored the president to continue building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors.
Represented by his assistant, Rotarian Semiu Adigun, the District Governor commended the giant strides of the Rotary Club of Akure, especially the construction of the six-classroom block at Imafon Community Secondary School, and prayed for the new president to surpass the achievements of those before him.
The event featured the induction of Mr. Femi Meshe as an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Akure, and the presentation of awards to him and other individuals who have contributed to the development of the club and society.
Responding to the honour, Mr. Meshe appreciated the club and highlighted the values of Rotary International, as demonstrated through the spirit of “Service Above Self,” which has guided him throughout his career.
He recalled growing up witnessing the club’s contributions to the society.
Other highlights of the event included a health talk on the myths and facts about prostate cancer, delivered by Dr. Adeyemo Olorunsogo, and fundraising for the multimillion-naira ICT project at Imafon Community Secondary School.
Members of the Board of Directors include: Rotn Gabriel Odjoji, Rotn Kuduyo Michael, Rotn Daniel Onyebuchi, Rotn Tajudeen Alao, Rotn Adediran Adejuwon, Rotn Olamide Ibrahim, Rotn Yomade Ogunbiyi, Rotn Akorede Ayodeji, Rotn Dayo Omotoyinbo, Rotn Oluyede Aturamu, Rotn Margaret Adesida-Akindun, Rotn Hannah Ijidakinro, Rotn Kabiru Alawiye, Rotn Lekan Oni.
Other awardees include: Rotn Dayo Omotoyinbo, Rotn. Salawu Waidi, Rotn Tajudeen Ajao, Rotn Oyekola Muraina, Rotn Adegboyega Obadua, and Rotn Bunmi Falodun.
