By Philip Afolabi.

The Rotary Club of New Lagos, Ikeja, has ushered in a new era of purposeful leadership and humanitarian service with the installation of Rotarian Kehinde Oluwakemi Raimot, PHF, as its 6th Club President for the 2026–2027 Rotary Year.
Held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Leotori Hall, 2 Powerline Street, off Beckley Estate, Ifako Ijaiye, Agege, the colourful investiture brought together distinguished Rotarians, family members, professional colleagues, friends and well-wishers in celebration of leadership, fellowship and a renewed commitment to community development.
With the inspiring theme, “Create Lasting Impact,” the new administration has outlined an ambitious humanitarian agenda focused on healthcare, education, economic empowerment, youth development, peacebuilding and support for people with mobility challenges.
The ceremony was more than a celebration of a leadership transition; it was a statement of intent to translate Rotary’s ideals into meaningful interventions that improve lives and strengthen communities.

₦8.15 MILLION HUMANITARIAN AGENDA TARGETS COMMUNITY NEEDS
At the heart of President Kehinde Oluwakemi Raimot’s administration is a proposed portfolio of seven projects with a combined budget of ₦8.15 million.
The initiatives are designed to address practical needs across different segments of society, demonstrating the club’s commitment to service that goes beyond words.
The proposed projects include the donation of delivery kits to 50 expectant mothers at a cost of ₦650,000; the provision of 100 desks and chairs to a primary school in Agege for ₦1 million; and a ₦500,000 microcredit scheme to support five traders.
Other initiatives include free eye screening for 100 people and cataract surgery for 10 patients, budgeted at ₦5 million; free soft-skills training for five teenagers or students at ₦250,000; a peacebuilding lecture costing ₦250,000; and the donation of a wheelchair and walking frame at ₦500,000.
Collectively, these proposed interventions reflect a broad approach to community service, combining healthcare access, educational support, economic opportunity and social responsibility.
The success of the programme will depend on effective implementation, resource mobilisation and the continued commitment of club members, partners and supporters.
FATHER AND MOTHER OF THE DAY BOOST PROJECT FUNDRAISING
A significant highlight of the fundraising effort was the generous support of the Father and Mother of the Day, Dr. Ogunbadejo Adewale, PDG, and Mrs. Ogunbadejo Funmi.
In a gesture that brought renewed encouragement to the incoming administration, the distinguished couple adopted three of the proposed humanitarian initiatives as their personal pet projects.
Their adopted projects are the donation of delivery kits to 50 expectant mothers, the microcredit scheme for five traders, and the peacebuilding lecture.
Their commitment represents a meaningful show of solidarity with President Raimot and her team as they embark on a new Rotary year.
Alongside donations and support from other individuals, the gesture has strengthened optimism surrounding the club’s plans and highlighted the important role of personal generosity in advancing humanitarian causes.
By taking responsibility for selected initiatives, the Father and Mother of the Day have demonstrated how individual commitment can complement organised community service.
For the new administration, such support offers encouragement as it works towards fulfilling its promise to Create Lasting Impact.

KEHINDE OLUWAKEMI RAIMOT: A JOURNEY FROM HEALTHCARE TO COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
The new President brings to the office a blend of healthcare experience, professional development, entrepreneurship, humanitarian involvement and years of service within the Rotary family.
A healthcare professional, public health student and entrepreneur, Raimot has more than a decade of experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician.

She studied Medical Laboratory Technology at Ogun State College of Health Technology, Ilese-Ijebu, graduating with Upper Credit in 2013. She also obtained a Professional Diploma in Statistics from the University of Ibadan in 2009 and is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health.
Her professional qualifications and training include medical laboratory practice, phlebotomy, healthcare management, safety, infection control and quality systems.
Her leadership journey began early in life. She served as Assistant Head Girl at Bisbol International Nursery and Primary School, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, and as Health Prefect at Baptist Girls College, Idi Aba, Abeokuta.
Her involvement in Rotary began in 2018 after she was introduced to the organisation by Past Assistant Governor Rotarian Adeola Aderinola of the Rotary Club of Maryland, Ikeja.
She subsequently served in several leadership positions within Rotaract, including Charter Secretary and Charter President of the Rotaract Club of Maryland, District Executive Secretary, and President-Elect and President of the Rotaract Club of Ikeja City.

Her installation as the club’s 6th President for 2026–2027 marks another important milestone in her service journey.
A Paul Harris Fellow, she is also the Ogun State Coordinator of the Pyramid of Hearts charity, with which she has been associated for 14 years. Her entrepreneurial interests include Hartshoports, a fashion and lifestyle brand.
Her professional background and experience in service leadership provide a foundation for an administration expected to combine compassion, collaboration and practical community intervention.

TAJUDEEN LANRE ADEDОYIN ESQ. DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS
The investiture featured a keynote address by Tajudeen Lanre Adedoyin Esq., a seasoned legal practitioner and Head of Chambers at T. L. Adedoyin & Co.
Adedoyin studied law at the University of Lagos, where he was admitted in 1989 and graduated in 1992. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1993 and later obtained a Master of Laws degree from the same institution.
His professional journey includes service as a Legal Officer at the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank, now the Bank of Industry, and as Associate Counsel at Adeyemi, Iranloye & Co., before establishing his own law firm, T. L. Adedoyin & Co.
Beyond his legal practice, he has contributed to community development, serving as PTA Chairman of Turon School, Surulere, from 2015 to 2017, and as pioneer President of the Elegant Club of Ijomu-Oro.
He also provides free legal services to vulnerable people, demonstrating a commitment to making professional expertise accessible to those in need.
His presence as keynote speaker added a professional and community-service dimension to the occasion.

PRINCE HENRY OLUBOWALE AKINYELE CHAIRS THE OCCASION
The event was chaired by Prince Henry Olubowale Excellence Akinyele, identified in the supplied profile as District Governor of Rotary International District 9111 for 2025–2026 and a member of the Rotary Club of Maryland, Ikeja.
His participation formed part of the distinguished gathering that witnessed the leadership transition and celebrated the club’s continuing commitment to humanitarian service.

SHERIFF ADEBAMBO REFLECTS ON HIS PRESIDENTIAL TENURE
The outgoing President, Rotarian Sheriff Adebambo, PHF, delivered his valedictory address, expressing gratitude to God, the district leadership, the board, committee chairs and club members for their support during the 2025–2026 Rotary Year.
Reflecting on his tenure, he acknowledged the challenges of leadership and emphasised the importance of working together to achieve shared objectives.
His message reinforced the principle that leadership is not simply about occupying a position, but about lifting others, encouraging participation and creating opportunities for collective progress.
His departure from office marked the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another, with the incoming administration expected to build on the spirit of fellowship and service.

NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO SUPPORT THE 2026–2027 VISIONPresident Raimot will be supported by a team of officers and committee leaders tasked with advancing the club’s programmes and service priorities.
The board comprises:
President: Kehinde Oluwakemi
Vice President: Olowokere Ebenezer
Secretary: Ayeobasan Adeola
Immediate Past President: Adebambo Sheriff
Chair, Rotary Foundation: Okoroafor Ernest
Chair, Club Administration/Youth Service: Dosunmu Abiodun
Chair, Service Projects/Club Trainer: Lawal Olumide
Treasurer: Saliu-Oni Ajoke
President-Elect: Bayo-Fabi Adedayo
Sergeant-at-Arms: Ojo Omolara
Chair, Family of Rotary: Oseni Nafisat
Chair, Public Image: Oke Oladayo
Chair, History and Archives: Mabhew Popoola
The team is expected to work collaboratively with the President to mobilise resources, strengthen membership participation and support the delivery of the club’s proposed humanitarian projects.

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS ADD GLAMOUR TO THE OCCASION
The event was attended by several Rotarians and guests, including Rotarian Saliu Oni-Ajoke, Rotarian Alao Olusola, Mr Deji Ogunjimi, Rotarian Olowokere Ebenezer, Mrs Balogun Bosede, Rotarian Bayo-Fabi Adedayo, Dr Ogunbadejo Adewale, PDG, and Mrs Ogunbadejo Funmi, who served as Father and Mother of the Day.
Also acknowledged were Lawal Olumide, President for 2022–2023; Sheriff Adebambo, President for 2025–2026; Agbebiyi Oladele, President for 2021–2022; and Omolara Ojo, who served from 2023–2025.
Their presence added to the spirit of fellowship and celebration surrounding the leadership transition.

ICONS HONOURED FOR EXCELLENCE, CONTRIBUTIONS AND MENTORSHIP
One of the memorable moments of the investiture was the presentation of Special Recognition Awards to distinguished guests celebrated as ICONS.
The awards recognised individuals whose outstanding contributions helped make the investiture successful, as well as those who had mentored, guided and supported the new President in different ways throughout her leadership journey.
The recognition provided an opportunity to appreciate the people whose encouragement and commitment had contributed to the occasion and to President Raimot’s development as a leader.
Beyond the presentation of awards, the gesture reinforced the importance of mentorship, appreciation and the recognition of individuals who invest their time and resources in supporting others.
Their recognition added significance to the ceremony, reflecting the value of relationships and shared commitment in building strong leaders and service-oriented communities.

FAMILY, HOSPITAL COLLEAGUES AND ROTARY LEADERS SHOW SOLIDARITY
The investiture attracted an impressive representation of the Kehinde family, who turned out in strong numbers to celebrate the President’s achievement.
Staff members of Lagos State Teaching Hospital were also present to show their support, reflecting the professional relationships surrounding the new President.
In addition, a good number of impactful presidents from Rotary Districts 9112 and 9111 attended the event to support and celebrate one of their own.
Their presence demonstrated the strength of fellowship within the Rotary community and the importance of standing together to encourage leaders embarking on new responsibilities.
The gathering of family, professional colleagues and fellow Rotary leaders contributed to the celebratory atmosphere and highlighted the network of support surrounding the new administration.

MUSIC, FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP ADD COLOUR TO THE INVESTITURE
Beyond the formal proceedings, the event was marked by warmth, hospitality and entertainment.
Guests enjoyed food and drinks, while melodious performances from a musical band added rhythm and excitement to the celebration.
The combination of fellowship, entertainment and recognition created a memorable atmosphere in which Rotarians and guests celebrated the new President, honoured distinguished contributors and renewed their connections.
The occasion reflected the social spirit of Rotary, where service, friendship and fellowship come together to strengthen relationships and inspire collective action.

A PRESIDENCY WITH A CLEAR MANDATE: CREATE LASTING IMPACT
As Rotarian Kehinde Oluwakemi Raimot begins her tenure as the 6th President of the Rotary Club of New Lagos, Ikeja, attention now turns to the implementation of her administration’s proposed projects and the real-life impact they can deliver.
The ₦8.15 million project agenda provides a framework for interventions across healthcare, education, economic empowerment, youth development, peacebuilding and mobility support. The commitment shown by the Father and Mother of the Day, together with support from other individuals, offers encouragement for the journey ahead.
The new administration also inherits the responsibility of building on the work of previous leaders, strengthening the participation of members and sustaining the club’s humanitarian mission.
With the theme “Create Lasting Impact,” President Raimot’s tenure begins with a clear challenge: to turn plans into action, partnerships into progress and service into measurable improvements in people’s lives.
For the Rotary Club of New Lagos, Ikeja, the investiture was more than a ceremonial change of leadership. It was a gathering of service-minded people united by a common purpose and a renewed determination to make a difference.
As the new Rotary year unfolds, the true measure of this leadership will be the lives touched, the opportunities created and the lasting impact made in the community.

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