FROM SERVICE TO LASTING IMPACT — A NEW CHAPTER OF LEADERSHIP, PURPOSE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
The Rotary Club of Lekki Phase 1, District 9112, has ushered in a new chapter of leadership with the installation of Rotn. Engr. Abiodun Jaiyeola as its 20th President for the 2026/2027 Rotary year.
Held under the Rotary theme “Create Lasting Impact,” the investiture brought together distinguished Rotarians, family members, friends, associates and well-wishers to celebrate leadership, service, fellowship and the continued commitment to making a difference in the community.
The occasion also featured the launching of the Club’s projects and fundraising activities for the 2026/2027 Rotary year, setting the tone for a year focused on meaningful service and sustainable impact.
A BUILDER OF EXCELLENCE TAKES THE HELM
An accomplished building and construction professional, Rotn. Engr. Abiodun Jaiyeola brings extensive experience in property development, refurbishment, project management and construction consultancy in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
A graduate of Automobile Engineering, Jaiyeola began his property and construction career in the United Kingdom, where he acquired and refurbished dilapidated properties before progressing into commercial refurbishment and larger developments.
His career subsequently expanded into project management, team building and the management of multiple construction sites at different stages of development.
After relocating to Nigeria in 2001, he continued to build an impressive portfolio covering new-build projects, transformation, refurbishment and enhancement.
Known for his attention to detail, quality, cost control, scheduling and effective resource allocation, he has also been involved in efforts aimed at strengthening and enhancing policies relating to the building and construction industry in Lagos State.
His strong interpersonal and leadership skills have enabled him to coordinate multidisciplinary teams while providing clients with practical and commercially sound advice.
It is this combination of hands-on experience, strategic thinking, leadership, commercial judgement and commitment to quality and safety that he now brings to his new Rotary responsibility.
“THIS IS NOT MY YEAR — THIS IS OUR YEAR”
In his acceptance speech, President Jaiyeola unveiled his leadership direction under the theme:
“FROM SERVICE TO LASTING IMPACT.”
Declaring, “This is not my year — this is our year,” the new Rotary Club president called on members to embrace collective responsibility and purposeful service.
He identified three key guides for the year: deepening projects that transform lives, strengthening the sense of belonging so that every Rotarian matters, and serving throughout the year with purpose and partnership.
He challenged members to find their own way to serve, join committees, lead projects, mentor others and show up whenever service calls.
For him, the measure of the year should not simply be how busy the Club becomes, but the difference its service makes.
“We changed lives. We made our communities better.”
That vision captures the essence of the Club’s commitment to Service Above Self and the pursuit of Lasting Impact.
THE MOMENT THE BATON WAS PASSED
One of the defining moments of the investiture was the symbolic exchange of the Rotary collarette — a powerful symbol of leadership and responsibility.
In a deeply significant ceremony, the immediate past president, Rotn. Comfort Anorue, handed over the leadership symbol to the incoming president, Rotn. Engr. Abiodun Jaiyeola.
The ceremony was witnessed by PDG Kola Sodipo, popularly known as “King of Boys,” PDG Omotunde Lawson, as well as other Past District Governors and Rotary executives.
As the collarette was removed from the outgoing president and placed on the new president, the moment represented more than a change of office. It symbolised the transfer of trust, responsibility, continuity and the mandate to serve.
The baton had been passed.
HONOURING THOSE WHO HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE
The investiture also provided an opportunity to recognise individuals whose contributions and support have strengthened the Rotary journey.
The presentation of Awards of Appreciation celebrated dedication, service and partnership, adding another memorable dimension to the occasion.
The event further witnessed the induction of new Rotarians, bringing fresh energy, ideas and commitment into the Club.
INAUGURATING THE TEAM BEHIND THE VISION
The new Board of the Rotary Club of Lekki Phase 1 was also formally inaugurated, reinforcing the understanding that effective leadership is a collective responsibility.
The Board comprises:
RTN. ABIODUN JAIYEOLA — President
RTN. OMOLOLA AYODELE — Secretary
RTN. ONENE OBELE-OSHOKO — Treasurer
RTN. COMFORT ANORUE — Immediate Past President
PAG YEMI OSILAJA — Membership
RTN. FOLARANMI ESAN — Service Project
RTN. OMOLOLA AYODELE — Club Administration
PP DIMEJI AJAYI — Rotary Foundation
PAG FEMI BOLA SADIPE — Archive
ROTN. KEHINDE AJULO — We Care
PAG KAYODE ADERINOKUN — Adviser
PDG TUNJI FUNSHO — Adviser
ROT ALICE NWOKOBIA — Public Image
ROTN. UCHE OKORO — New Generation
AG YETUNDE DIMOWO — Polio Plus
RTN ABIODUN OWOEYE — President Elect
Together, the team stands behind the new administration as the Club embarks on another year of service.
THE ARCHITECT OF THE INVESTITURE
The Chairman of the Investiture Planning Committee, Rtn. (Dr.) Abiodun Owoeye, welcomed guests and emphasised that the investiture was more than a ceremonial gathering.
He described it as an opportunity to renew commitment to Rotary ideals and to recognise leadership as a responsibility built on sacrifice, teamwork and service.
He also welcomed the new inductees and highlighted the important role Rotary continues to play in areas including healthcare, education, youth development, environmental concerns and improving quality of life.
DISTINGUISHED PERSONALITIES ADD GLAMOUR
The occasion featured distinguished personalities who brought their wealth of experience and service to the celebration.
The Chairman of Occasion, Prince Ayodele Ifaturoti, IoD Membership No. 105904, is an astute project management practitioner with over 31 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, including senior finance, business management and project leadership roles with Chevron locally and abroad.
He currently serves as Chairman/Managing Director of Crystal Project Management & Claims Ltd.
He holds an HND in Accountancy from Polytechnic Ibadan, an MBA in Finance from Olabisi Onabanjo University and an MSc in Project Management from the University of Salford Business School, Manchester.
A member of the Institute of Directors, Project Management Institute and FRCN, he also serves in various business and professional capacities.
The Guest Speaker, PDG Kola Sodipo, brought decades of pharmaceutical, business and Rotary leadership experience to the occasion.
A pharmacist and business leader with over 40 years of experience across pharmaceuticals, medical devices, business optimisation and volunteer management, PDG Sodipo is Managing Partner of ELYTOM Consulting Ltd and CEO of ELYTOM PHARMACY.
A Rotarian for 27 years, he has served Rotary in numerous capacities, including Club President, Assistant Governor, District Secretary, District Training Assembly Coordinator, RYLA Committee Chair, District Conference Committee Chair and Youth Committee Chair.
He served as District Governor of RI District 9110 in 2018–19 under the theme “BE THE INSPIRATION.”
He currently serves as RI D9112 District Membership Committee Chair.
RAFFLE DRAW: A BUSINESS CLASS TICKET TO LONDON OR SOUTH AFRICA
One of the most exciting highlights of the celebration was the raffle draw, which generated considerable anticipation and excitement among members and guests.
Tickets were sold during the event, and different winners emerged to receive various gift prizes.
The grand highlight came with the announcement of the overall raffle winner, who was sponsored by Uganda Air with Business Class tickets to either London or South Africa.
The announcement sparked excitement and enthusiastic applause, adding an unforgettable dimension to an already memorable celebration.
The generous sponsorship by Uganda Air became one of the talking points of the occasion, with the raffle providing not only excitement but also another memorable moment of fellowship for members and guests.
FOOD, DRINKS, MUSIC AND LAUGHTER
Beyond the formalities and leadership transition, the investiture was also a celebration of fellowship, friendship and enjoyment.
The event was spiced with delicious food and a variety of drinks, including wines, beer and soft drinks, creating a warm and convivial atmosphere for members and their guests.
The gathering was further enlivened with music, jokes and moments of laughter, as guests relaxed and celebrated together.
The combination of excellent hospitality, entertainment, fellowship and the spirit of Rotary transformed the investiture into an occasion that will remain memorable in the minds of members of the Rotary Club of Lekki Phase 1 and their guests.
A PRESIDENT SURROUNDED BY FAMILY
President Rotn. Engr. Abiodun Jaiyeola was accompanied to the historic occasion by his lovely wife and daughter, who stood proudly beside him as he assumed the mantle of leadership.
Their presence added a warm family dimension to the investiture and made the milestone even more special as Jaiyeola commenced his journey as the 20th President of the Rotary Club of Lekki Phase 1.
A NEW CHAPTER, A NEW MANDATE
From the symbolic exchange of the Rotary collarette to the induction of new members, inauguration of the Board, presentation of awards, launching of projects and the excitement of the raffle draw, the investiture represented a significant transition for the Rotary Club of Lekki Phase 1.
With Rotn. Engr. Abiodun Jaiyeola now at the helm, the Club begins a new chapter guided by a clear philosophy:
FROM SERVICE TO LASTING IMPACT.
The new administration has set its sights on meaningful projects, stronger fellowship, purposeful partnerships and service that produces tangible results.
