…..As Ajibade Unveils multi-million naira Star Project for Ondo School for Hearing Impaired.
…..Evergreen Edifice Commissioned in Akure.
By: Oluwatosin Adesola
It was a gathering of movers and shakers on Thursday 17th July, 2025 at the Ondo State International Event Centre ‘The Dome’ when Rotary Club of Akure Prestige held its Investiture to officially inaugurated Rotarian Ajibola Dauda Kolawole as the 4th President of the club amidst pomp and pageantry.
The colourful ceremony was one of the happiest days of the star man of the day, Rotarian Ajibade as he also commissioned his Evergreen WareHouse in Akure ad celebrated his birthday the same day.
The ceremony was also an opportunity to formally hold the inauguration of new Board of the Rotary Club of Akure Prestige for the 2025–2026 Rotary Year.
The District Governor of Rotary District 9126, Rotarian Ken Funke-Akpo Batife, who performed the investiture alongside the outgone President, Rotarian Adegoke, urged the new president to continue building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors.
Unveiling his agenda while delivering his acceptance speech, Rotarian Ajibola Dauda Kolawole (PHF) as the 4th President of the Rotary Club of Akure Prestige, who was flanked by his Beloved Wife, expressed delight for the opportunity to serve humanity and render humanitarian services through the global Club that is renewed for charity gestures worldwide.
Ajibade who commended his predecessor, Rotarian Oloruntoba Adegoke for various achievements recorded under his watch, vowed to sustain the ideals of the club, with his leadership Mantra “The PUSH project”, which means ‘Progress, Unity, Social development and Human development.’
The new President said “PUSHING FOR SOCIAL AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT; We will: Empower Youth: Invest in education skill development, and well-being; Support the Vulnerable: Reach out to the elderly, differently-abled, and marginalized; Promote Health and Wellness Improve access to healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition.
“Foster Economic Development: Encourage entrepreneurship, job creation, and sustainability aligned with the UN SDGs. Build Capacity: Provide training resources to members and community stakeholders.”
“My Star Project: A Dream for the Hearing-Impaired, I am proud to announce the inauguration my Star Project-a complete renovation of the Boys’ Hostel at the School for the Hearing-Impaired in Akure, Ondo State
“This project will provide modern facilities and a dignified living environment for the students, reinforcing our belief that “there is ability in disability.” It is a dream driven by the vision of equity, love, and inclusion-ensuring these students feel seen, heard, and empowered.
“This initiative represents our commitment to human development, regardless of social status, and will remain the centerpiece of my tenure. I earnestly seek your support-financial, moral, and technical to help us complete and sustain this legacy project.
“Let us unite in purpose and passion to build a Rotary Club that shines brighter than ever in the Sunshine State-Ondo State, Nigeria. Together, with Progress, Unity, Social and Human development as our guiding light, we can Push boundaries, achieve dreams, and leave a legacy of service for generations to come,” said Rotarian Ajibade said.
Earlier, while delivering his speech to hand over to his successor, the outgone President, Rotarian Oloruntoba Adegoke said the club achieved many successes during his tenure despite economic challenges.
Adegoke said that, “I’m proud of what we have achieved together; Induction of new members into the club; Giving of gifts, cash and material gifts to nursing mothers; Distribution of books and writing materials to Imafon Secondary School; Payment of school fees for our club-adopted children;
“Carrying out environmental sanitation in collaboration with Ondo State Waste Management and Akure South Local Government; Donation of grinding machine to the Ondo State School of Hearing Impaired, Akure; Renovation and commissioning of Library project at African Church Comprehensive High School, Alagbaka, Akure, And many other projects.
“As I hand over the reign of Presidency to our new President, Rotarian Ajibade Dauda Kolawole (PHF), I have every confidence that he will lead our club to even greater heights.
The Charter President, Rotarian Adesoji Samson Omotade, who is also MD Chairman, Investiture Planning Committee Rotary Club of Akure Prestige, said “it is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you as the Chairman of the Investiture Planning Committee of the Rotary Club of Akure Prestige, on this momentous occasion-the installation of our new President, Rotarian Ajibade Kolawole Dauda (PHF), the 4th President of our beloved club.
“The role of a Rotary President is not just about holding a title, but also about the values of leadership and fellowship. It’s about inspiring us all to reach greater heights in our efforts to make a positive impact in our community.
We are excited to support you every step of the way in this opportunity to renew our commitments and work together harmoniously to achieve our collective efforts and continue to foster growth, unity, and meaningful change in Akure and the world over,” said Rotarian Omotade.
The Chairman of the occasion, Rotarian Dayo Omotoyinbo, described members of Rotary Club of Akure Prestige and the new President, Rotarian Ajibade Kolawole Dauda (PHF), as wonderful, committed and remain the pride of the club.
Omotoyinbo encouraged members of the public to consider joining the club, saying it is the best platform to contribute to humanity and societal development.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Sunday Faduyile, a former President of the Nigerian Medical Association, lauded the club’s commitment to community development.
One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of Awards of Excellence to distinguished individuals for their contributions to society across various fields as well as fund raising for developmental projects.
With new leadership in place, the Rotary Club of Akure Prestige is poised to scale new heights. Since its charter in 2021, the club has maintained a track record of impactful service, and the future, under Ajibade’s stewardship, looks even more promising.
EVERGREEN WAREHOUSE COMMISSIONING
The occasion was made even more special as it coincided with President Ajibade’s birthday and the grand commissioning of his personal office complex ‘EVERGREEN WAREHOUSE’, a symbolic gesture of progress and service.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Chief Imam of Akureland, Sheikh Abdulhakeem Yayi-Akorede, who blessed the office, commended the foresight of Rotarian Kolawole Ajibade for coming with the special project to impact on the economy of Akure ad the nation at large.
The President officially commissioned his office complex, a modern edifice that symbolized growth, responsibility, and vision.
On his part, Rotarian Ajibade said, “It is more than an office; it is a hub of ideas and initiatives that will drive social change.
“Our journey has just begun,” the President affirmed. “We will continue to be a force for good – one project, one life at a time,” Ajibade said.
The Commissioning was attended by Key Rotarians, Community leaders and other dignitaries including the Agbaka of Alagbaka and Dr Wilson Ikubese.
