District Governor Pharmacist Rotarian Layi Abidoye Returns to His Home Club to Champion Maternal and Child Health
By Elitist Magazine
TOGETHER FOR HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES
The Rotary Club of Gbagada, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Eko Heights and under the leadership of Rotary International District 9112, organised a landmark healthcare outreach to strengthen primary healthcare delivery in Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Held on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, at the Primary Health Care Centre, Pen Cinema, Agege, the programme, themed “Together for Healthier Communities,” featured the donation of medical equipment and consumables, free medical consultations, blood pressure and blood sugar tests, Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments, and health education.
Supported by Colexa Biosensor (CB), FGCO 84/90 Set Old Students Association, and Jehyson Healthcare Limited (JHL), the outreach was open to everyone, providing residents with quality healthcare services at no cost.
A HOMECOMING OF LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE
The event marked a memorable homecoming for District Governor Pharmacist Rotarian Layi Abidoye, whose Rotary journey began with the Rotary Club of Gbagada.
A respected pharmacist, lawyer, clergyman, and humanitarian, Rotarian Abidoye rose through the ranks of the club before becoming District Governor of Rotary International District 9112, making his return especially significant.
Addressing participants, he urged residents to help break the chain of malaria transmission by sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, maintaining clean surroundings, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and seeking prompt medical attention whenever symptoms occur.
He also announced that Rotary would continue organising regular health education programmes and introduce Rotary Health Family Day to promote preventive healthcare and healthier families.
“Providing quality healthcare, preventing diseases, and improving lives are embedded in Rotary’s DNA,” he said.
ROTARY’S GLOBAL IMPACT
District Governor Abidoye noted that Rotary has clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas, where members continue to transform lives through humanitarian service.
“Rotary has a proud pedigree of doing good around the world. We remain committed to making the world a better place through Service Above Self,” he added.
MEANINGFUL ACTIONS THAT CHANGE LIVES
Speaking on behalf of the host club, President of the Rotary Club of Gbagada, Rotarian Adeyemi Lawal, described the outreach as another demonstration of Rotary’s commitment to meaningful service.
He explained that the donated medical equipment, valued at millions of naira, would strengthen maternal and child healthcare services and improve primary healthcare delivery.
Rotarian Adeyemi Lawal thanked District Governor Layi Abidoye, the management and staff of the Primary Health Care Centre, the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Rotarian Yemi Lawal, President of the Rotary Club of Eko Heights, collaborating organisations, healthcare professionals, project partners, and members of the Rotary Club of Gbagada for their dedication and support.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMENDS ROTARY’S IMPACT
Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. Abdul-Ganiyu Vinod Obasa, commended the Rotary Club of Gbagada for complementing government’s efforts in healthcare delivery.
He disclosed that the council has introduced Health Booths for routine health screening and is constructing four new Primary Healthcare Centres, expected to be completed by September.
He also highlighted the council’s investment in education through school construction and the provision of learning materials, while calling for stronger collaboration between the local government and the Rotary Club of Gbagada, of which he is a member.
PARTNERSHIP FOR BETTER HEALTHCARE
The success of the outreach underscored the importance of collaboration among the Rotary Club of Gbagada, the Rotary Club of Eko Heights, Rotary International District 9112, government agencies, healthcare professionals, and corporate partners in improving community health.
DISTINGUISHED PERSONALITIES GRACE THE OCCASION
Among the dignitaries present were AG Rotarian Ademola Olutusi, Assistant Governor to the Rotary Club of Gbagada; Rotarian Yemi Lawal, President of the Rotary Club of Eko Heights; DRI Michael Ekerin; Mrs. Toyin Lawal; Rotaract President Miyosore Gbadegesin; Hon. Wale Azeez; Hon. Osukoya; Mrs. Ogundiran; Dr. Ashinibola; Hon. Johnson Oguntan; Dr. Ayegbusi; Pharm. Ogunniyi; Mrs. Omoyele; Mr. Samuel Awoleke; and several Rotary leaders, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders.
The event was anchored by Past President Rotarian Niyi, while Rotarian Adenike Abdul-Azeez led the Rotary Grace.
PLANTING TREES, SECURING THE FUTURE
The outreach concluded with a symbolic Tree Planting Ceremony, reaffirming Rotary’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The first tree was planted by Hon. Abdul-Ganiyu Vinod Obasa, followed by Rotarian Adeyemi Lawal, President of the Rotary Club of Gbagada, while other club members joined the exercise.
The ceremony crowned a remarkable three-in-one humanitarian intervention, advancing Rotary’s Areas of Focus in Maternal and Child Health, Disease Prevention, and Supporting the Environment.
SERVICE ABOVE SELF IN ACTION
The “Together for Healthier Communities” initiative once again demonstrated the Rotary Club of Gbagada’s commitment to improving lives through sustainable humanitarian service.
From strengthening primary healthcare and promoting disease prevention to supporting maternal and child health and environmental conservation, the outreach reflected Rotary’s holistic approach to community development.
Guided by Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self, the Rotary Club of Gbagada, supported by Rotary International District 9112, the Rotary Club of Eko Heights, and its partners, continues to restore hope, improve lives, and build healthier communities.
