A NEW ERA OF PURPOSEFUL LEADERSHIP, FELLOWSHIP AND COMMITMENT TO CREATING LASTING IMPACT
The Rotary Club of Gbagada has ushered in a new chapter of leadership with the grand investiture of Rotarian Adeyemi Lawal, MBA, RQS, MNIQS, MRICS, as the 43rd President of the Club for the 2026–2027 Rotary Year.
The colourful ceremony, held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 10 Degrees Events Centre, Billingsway, Oregun, Lagos, also featured the induction of the 2026–2027 Board of Directors and a fundraising initiative in support of the Club’s humanitarian projects.
With the theme “Create Lasting Impact,” the occasion brought together distinguished Rotary leaders, traditional rulers, guests, family and friends to celebrate the transition in leadership.
A PROFESSIONAL OF EXCELLENCE, A ROTARIAN OF PURPOSE
A consummate professional with over two decades of experience in quantity surveying, construction cost management and project delivery, Rtn. Adeyemi Lawal is a Registered Quantity Surveyor and member of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, United Kingdom. He also holds an MBA from the University of Roehampton, London.
His Rotary journey has included service as Membership Chair, Service Projects Chair and Vice President, while his humanitarian commitment has earned him recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Beyond Rotary, he is a former President of the Federal Government College, Odogbolu Old Students’ Association, where he championed collaboration and alumni engagement.
A LEADERSHIP TRANSITION BUILT ON CONTINUITY
The Investiture Chairman and President-Elect, Rtn. Olanrewaju Odude-Olasinde, described the occasion as both a leadership transition and a renewal of purpose.
He commended outgoing President Rtn. Tosin Olawoyin for his dedicated service and charged the new President to lead with wisdom, strengthen fellowship and translate Rotary ideals into tangible community impact.
In his farewell and stewardship report, Rtn. Tosin Olawoyin thanked his friends, family, Board members and all members of the Rotary Club of Gbagada for their support. He emphasised that leadership succeeds when members remain dedicated to the vision of the Club.
DG LAYI ABIDOYE: “SERVE, SERVE UNTIL IT PAINS”
District Governor Rtn. Layi Abidoye charged the new President to be a purposeful leader, carry all members along in oneness and humility, and remain committed to continuous learning and improvement.
He encouraged Rtn. Adeyemi Lawal to build on the achievements of his predecessor and focus on creating lasting impact, urging him to “serve, serve until it pains.”
He further expressed confidence that through unity and collective effort, the Club would achieve great goals.
ROTARY VALUES AND SERVICE CELEBRATED
The ceremony featured important Rotary traditions. PAG Akin Odutola led the Grace, while Rtn. Bamidele Ayodele led the recitation of the Object of Rotary. Rtn. Caroline Chukwura led members in reciting the Four-Way Test.
Special Appreciation Awards were also presented to selected Rotarians and guests for their unique contributions to the growth of the Club and service to humanity.
Among those recognised were the late Mr. Murtahla Ibrahim, who received a posthumous award for his generosity; Sammy Ogunjimi; Major General Samuel Oluwatobi Adejimi; Professor Olufemi Ayinde Peter; Bolanle Susan Peter; Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi; and Mr. Damola Bolodeoku, alongside other distinguished personalities, including Dr. Akinyele Oladeji, Chairman of the Event, and Olayemi Sonubi, Omo Oba Awonike, the Guest Speaker.
DISTINGUISHED ROTARY LEADERS GRACE THE OCCASION
The ceremony attracted prominent Rotary personalities, including PDG Tunji Funsho, Doyen of District 9112; PDG Yinusa Adeniji Raji, Doyen of the Rotary Club of Gbagada; PDG Kehinde George Taylor; PDG Yomi Adewumi and his spouse, Inner Wheel Toyin Adewumi; PDG Kola Sodipo; PDG Dr. Matias Oladehinde Soga; and PDG Omotunde Lawson.
Also present was the Inner Wheel Chairman of District 911, Kikelomo, who attended with her entourage.
The occasion was further honoured by HRM Oba (Dr.) PAG Olubayo Windapo, the Royal Father of the Day and a former President of the Rotary Club of Gbagada.
A NEW CHAPTER, A SHARED VISION
In his acceptance speech, Rtn. Adeyemi Lawal expressed gratitude to Rotary leaders, members, family and friends, emphasising that the investiture represented more than a change of leadership—it was an opportunity to mobilise resources and turn the Club’s dreams of service into real and lasting impact.
With the induction of the new Board and installation of Rtn. Adeyemi Lawal as the 43rd President, the Rotary Club of Gbagada begins another chapter anchored on fellowship, purposeful leadership, humanitarian service and lasting impact.
The new Rotary year begins with a renewed call to serve, inspire, unite and create meaningful change in the lives of people and communities.
