District Governor Layi Abidoye Leads Historic Initiative as Rotary, the Nigerian Navy, Charly Boy Foundation and JNCI Partner to Advance
Maternal, Child and Men’s Health
By Philip Afolabi
LAGOS, NIGERIA — The Rotary Club of Bourdillon Prestige recorded a historic milestone on Thursday, July 23, 2026, as it launched its maiden humanitarian service projects through a high-impact healthcare outreach at the Naval Medical Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Organized in strategic partnership with Rotary International District 9112, the Naval Medical Centre, Naval Dockyard Limited, the Charly Boy Foundation, and JNCI, the landmark initiative combined maternal and neonatal healthcare intervention with critical men’s health advocacy, reinforcing Rotary’s enduring motto, Service Above Self.
A Warm Welcome at the Naval Medical Centre
Welcoming distinguished guests and partners, Surgeon Captain I. O. Olopade, Commander of the Naval Medical Centre, described the collaboration as an outstanding demonstration of compassion, partnership, and public service.
He commended the newly chartered Rotary Club of Bourdillon Prestige for selecting the Naval Medical Centre for its maiden humanitarian outreach, noting that the free medical screenings, neonatal resuscitation training, and donation of life-saving medical equipment would significantly strengthen the hospital’s capacity to deliver quality healthcare.
Surgeon Captain Olopade further stated that the initiative aligns perfectly with the humanitarian vision of the Nigerian Navy’s leadership and enjoys the full support of Rear Admiral I. E. Shehu, Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard Limited.
Free Medical Outreach Promotes Early Detection
The outreach commenced with free medical consultations, blood pressure and vital signs checks, health education, and preventive healthcare awareness for members of the community.
One of the major highlights was the Free Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Screening, organized in partnership with the Charly Boy Foundation. Medical experts encouraged men, particularly those aged 40 years and above, to embrace regular prostate screening as one of the most effective measures for the early detection and treatment of prostate cancer.
Renowned social activist and founder of the Charly Boy Foundation, Charles Oputa (Charly Boy), delivered a heartfelt message drawn from his personal experience as a prostate cancer survivor.
“Health is wealth. I survived prostate cancer because it was detected early. Don’t ignore your health—regular screening can save your life.”
Reinforcing the message, Rotary District 9112 Governor Rotarian Layi Abidoye highlighted Rotary’s commitment to improving healthcare across more than 200 countries and geographical areas.
He urged all men aged 40 and above to make routine medical examinations a regular part of their lives, emphasizing that many life-threatening diseases can be successfully treated when detected early.
Strengthening Maternal and Child Healthcare
In commemoration of Rotary’s Maternal and Child Health Month, the outreach also featured a practical Neonatal Resuscitation Training Programme, equipping healthcare professionals with modern newborn resuscitation techniques and the effective use of neonatal emergency equipment to reduce infant mortality.
To ensure lasting impact, the Rotary Club of Bourdillon Prestige donated state-of-the-art neonatal resuscitation equipment and other essential medical supplies to the Naval Medical Centre.
Speaking during the programme, Rotarian Clare Omatseye, Chief Executive Officer of JNCI and Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Ikoyi, stressed that reducing maternal and infant mortality requires continuous medical training, modern equipment, and strong collaboration between the public and private sectors.
A Long-Term Partnership for Sustainable Impact
Speaking on behalf of the host club, Charter President Rotarian Winifred Ebiye announced that the Rotary Club of Bourdillon Prestige had officially adopted the Naval Medical Centre as one of its long-term humanitarian service partners.
She pledged the club’s continued support through future healthcare interventions and community development initiatives.
Rotarian Ebiye expressed profound appreciation to Rear Admiral I. E. Shehu for embracing Rotary’s humanitarian mission and acknowledged the immense support received from Past Assistant Governor Bala Yusuf and Rotarian Clare Omatseye, whose mentorship was instrumental in establishing the new club.
She also formally requested the use of the Naval Hall for the club’s forthcoming Investiture Ceremony scheduled for September 6, 2026.
Nigerian Navy Commends Rotary’s Humanitarian Impact
Responding on behalf of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral I. E. Shehu applauded Rotary International District 9112, the Rotary Club of Bourdillon Prestige, JNCI, and the Charly Boy Foundation for delivering a life-changing intervention that will enhance healthcare services and strengthen civil-military collaboration.
He explained that the partnership between the Naval Medical Centre, Victoria Island, the Rotary Club of Bourdillon Prestige, and the Charly Boy Foundation is in line with the vision and mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to strengthen medical service delivery for Nigerian Navy personnel, their families, and civilians living within host communities.
Rear Admiral Shehu noted that the Nigerian Navy values strategic partnerships with reputable civil organizations such as Rotary because they help deliver the greatest good to host communities through impactful humanitarian programmes and sustainable community development initiatives.
He further stated that the collaboration advances the Chief of the Naval Staff’s welfare agenda, which places the well-being of officers, ratings, and their families as a top priority. According to him, the Nigerian Navy remains firmly committed to Corporate Social Responsibility through the Chief of the Naval Staff’s Special Quick Impact Projects, which continue to transform lives in communities across the country, particularly those with a Nigerian Navy presence.
He also encouraged healthcare personnel to put their newly acquired neonatal resuscitation skills into practice, reminding participants that:
“Health is wealth, and no knowledge is a waste of time.
Rear Admiral Shehu concluded by assuring the donors that the medical equipment would be properly utilized and maintained, while expressing optimism that similar humanitarian interventions would be extended to other Nigerian Navy medical facilities across the country through sustained collaboration with humanitarian partners.
Service Above Self in Action
By addressing two critical areas of healthcare—maternal and neonatal survival, as well as men’s preventive health—the Rotary Club of Bourdillon Prestige has established an inspiring model of humanitarian service and civil-military partnership.
Through strategic collaboration, professional medical training, free health screenings, and the donation of life-saving medical equipment, the club has demonstrated that when dedicated organizations unite with a shared vision of service, they can create lasting impact and transform lives for generations to come.
