ROTARIANS, DISTRICT LEADERS, PAST PRESIDENTS, AND DISTINGUISHED GUESTS GATHER TO WITNESS A HISTORIC TRANSITION OF LEADERSHIP AS A NEW ERA OF SERVICE BEGINS
By Elitist Magazine
The atmosphere was filled with warmth, fellowship, and Rotary spirit as distinguished Rotarians, past presidents, invited guests, family members, and friends gathered at Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos, on Sunday, June 28, 2026, to witness the historic installation of Rotarian Mayowa Ademola Oyelere, FNCS, as the President of the Rotary Club of Omole-Ojodu, District 9112, for the 2026–2027 Rotary year.
The colourful Investiture and Handover Ceremony marked the official transition of leadership from the outgoing President, Rotarian Faith Akinsanya, to the incoming President, Rotarian Mayowa Oyelere, amid celebration, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self.
The event commenced with the recitation of the Rotary Grace and the Four-Way Test, while special musical performances and moments of appreciation added elegance to the evening.
HONOURING A YEAR OF SERVICE
In her heartfelt appreciation speech, the outgoing President, Rotarian Faith Akinsanya, reflected on a successful Rotary year and expressed gratitude to members and supporters who contributed to the achievements of her administration.
She presented Awards of Appreciation to outstanding members and special gifts to committed Rotarians in recognition of their dedication and loyalty to the club.
THE EXCHANGE OF THE COLLARET
The high point of the evening was the annual Rotary ritual—the Exchange of the Collaret—which symbolizes the transfer of leadership, responsibility, and service.
A distinguished assembly of past presidents gathered to place the presidential Collaret around the neck of Rotarian Mayowa Oyelere, officially investing him with the authority and responsibilities of office.
The symbolic moment attracted standing ovations and reaffirmed Rotary’s enduring tradition of continuity, leadership, and fellowship.
Following his investiture, President Mayowa Oyelere delivered an inspiring acceptance address, emphasizing that Rotary remains a movement of people united by compassion and service.
“Our club has achieved great things in the past, and I firmly believe our best days are still ahead of us,” he stated.
He unveiled his vision for the 2026–2027 Rotary year, focusing on strengthening fellowship, increasing member engagement, expanding membership, and deepening community impact.
A VISION FOR IMPACT
President Oyelere encouraged members to embrace active participation and collective responsibility.
Quoting Henry Ford, he said, “If everyone moves forward together, then success takes care of itself.”
He subsequently rang the presidential bell and officially called the first meeting of his administration to order, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the club.
THE MAN AT THE HELM
Rotarian Mayowa Ademola Oyelere, FNCS, is a seasoned Information Technology professional, business leader, and community development advocate with over two decades of experience in enterprise technology, infrastructure, and digital transformation.
A Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society and a member of several professional bodies, he remains passionate about leadership, youth development, education, and humanitarian service.
As the evening drew to a close, one message resonated throughout the gathering: a new dawn of service has indeed arrived.
Under the leadership of President Mayowa Oyelere, the Rotary Club of Omole-Ojodu embarks upon another chapter defined by vision, fellowship, compassion, and a renewed commitment to creating lasting impact.
