BOREHOLE, DIGITAL LIBRARY, SOLAR POWER AND OTHER FACILITIES COMMISSIONED AT MILITARY PRIMARY SCHOOL
The Rotary Club of Minimah Estate, District 9112, has led a major collaborative humanitarian project at Military Primary School, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Maryland, Lagos, bringing together 20 Rotary clubs to promote education, improve access to clean water, strengthen community development and advance environmental sustainability.
Held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, under the theme “CREATE LASTING IMPACT,” the initiative demonstrated the power of collaboration in addressing community needs through practical interventions designed to benefit pupils, school management and the wider community.
The event attracted distinguished Rotary leaders, military personnel, school management and members of the participating clubs, united by a shared commitment to humanitarian service and sustainable community development.
FIVE PILLARS OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The project focused on five key areas: clean water and sanitation, disease prevention, basic education and literacy, community development, and environmental sustainability.
Under clean water and sanitation, a borehole water system was provided to improve access to potable water and promote better hygiene within the school community.
To support disease prevention, a first aid box was provided to strengthen basic emergency preparedness and support the school’s healthcare needs.
In the area of basic education and literacy, a digital library was provided to enhance the learning environment and support pupils’ access to educational resources.
For community development, an inverter with solar panels was installed to support a more reliable electricity supply.
Meanwhile, the environmental sustainability component featured waste-bin containers and tree planting to encourage proper waste disposal, promote a cleaner environment and support climate-change mitigation.
Together, these interventions reflected Rotary’s commitment to translating humanitarian ideals into practical projects that address community needs and create lasting impact.
ROTARIAN ADEWOLE FARINU LEADS THE COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVE
As President of the Rotary Club of Minimah Estate, Rotarian Adewole Farinu played a leading role in the initiative, welcoming the military delegation and working alongside fellow Rotary leaders to advance the project’s objectives.
Under his leadership, the club brought together 19 partner clubs to deliver interventions focused on education, health, sanitation, electricity and environmental sustainability.
The collaboration demonstrated how service organisations can pool their resources, expertise and commitment to address community needs and deliver meaningful results.
GEN. OLUFEMI OWOLABI COMMISSIONS DIGITAL LIBRARY
A major highlight of the event was the arrival of Brigadier General Ayokunle Olufemi Owolabi, Commander of the 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, who led the Army delegation to the school.
He was warmly welcomed by Rotarian Adewole Farinu, President of the Rotary Club of Minimah Estate, alongside other participating Rotarians.
Brigadier General Owolabi joyfully cut the ribbon to commission the digital library, marking an important step towards promoting effective education and literacy at the school.
The facility formed part of the project’s educational intervention, aimed at providing pupils with an improved learning environment and access to educational resources.
In recognition of his leadership and contributions, Brigadier General Owolabi received an Award of Special Appreciation.
In another encouraging development, the General expressed his intention to join Rotary in the nearest future, highlighting his interest in the organisation’s humanitarian work and commitment to service.
DISTRICT GOVERNOR LAYI ABIDOYE COMMISSIONS BOREHOLE WATER SYSTEM
District Governor Layi Abidoye commissioned the borehole water system, an important intervention designed to improve access to potable water, promote hygiene and support disease prevention within the school community.
The provision of the water system underscored the project’s commitment to improving essential facilities and creating a healthier environment for pupils and staff.
District Governor Abidoye also participated in the commissioning of the waste-bin containers, which were provided to encourage proper waste disposal and promote environmental cleanliness.
These facilities complemented the project’s wider objectives of supporting public health, improving sanitation and encouraging responsible environmental practices.
20 ROTARY CLUB PRESIDENTS JOIN TREE-PLANTING EXERCISE
One of the notable highlights of the event was the tree-planting exercise, which brought together Brigadier General Ayokunle Olufemi Owolabi, District Governor Layi Abidoye, Rotarian Adewole Farinu, President of the Rotary Club of Minimah Estate, and the presidents of the other 19 participating Rotary clubs.
Their collective participation symbolised unity, shared responsibility and a common commitment to environmental sustainability.
The exercise was aimed at promoting a greener environment, supporting climate-change mitigation and encouraging environmental awareness within the school community.
The involvement of all 20 Rotary Club presidents demonstrated that environmental protection is a shared responsibility requiring collective action and sustained commitment.
Beyond the provision of facilities, the tree-planting exercise represented a practical investment in the future and reinforced the project’s theme.
“CREATE LASTING IMPACT.”
OWOLABI DESCRIBES ANTHONY ONIBASA (RTD.) AS A SELFLESS LEADER
During his opening remarks, Brigadier General Owolabi described Brigadier General Anthony Onibasa (Rtd.), CP of the Rotary Club of Minimah Estate, as a selfless leader.
Although Brigadier General Onibasa was absent from the event, his wife, who is also a member of the club, attended the gathering.
The commendation highlighted the importance of selflessness, dedicated leadership and service to others—values that remain central to Rotary’s humanitarian mission.
His remarks reinforced the spirit of the occasion, which brought together Rotary leaders, military personnel and school management to deliver practical interventions for the benefit of the school community.
ROTARY LEADERS RECOGNISED FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS
The event attracted distinguished Rotary leaders, including District Governor Layi Abidoye and District Governor-Elect Rotarian Uyi Abike Sowobi, alongside military personnel, school management and participating club members.
In recognition of their leadership and contributions, Awards of Special Appreciation were presented to District Governor Layi Abidoye and Brigadier General Ayokunle Olufemi Owolabi.
The recognition acknowledged their contributions to initiatives promoting collaboration, community development and sustainable impact.
The gathering further demonstrated the value of bringing together leaders from different professional backgrounds to pursue a common humanitarian goal.
SCHOOL HEADMISTRESS APPRECIATES ROTARY LEADERS
The Headmistress of Military Primary School, Mrs. Adelaja, and her team expressed profound appreciation to District Governor Layi Abidoye, Rotarian Adewole Farinu, and all the participating club presidents for their collective efforts in delivering the project.
She commended the Rotary leaders for their generosity, collaboration and commitment to improving the school’s facilities and supporting the welfare of its pupils.
Mrs. Adelaja also prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the District Governor, Rotarian Farinu, the participating club presidents and everyone who contributed to the successful execution of the initiative.
As a further demonstration of the school’s gratitude, the management presented Awards of Appreciation to District Governor Layi Abidoye and Rotarian Adewole Farinu.
The recognition reflected the school’s appreciation for Rotary’s intervention and highlighted the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and humanitarian organisations.
DISTRICT GOVERNOR LAYI ABIDOYE CALLS FOR STRONGER COLLABORATION
Speaking at the event, District Governor Layi Abidoye commended the participating Rotary clubs for their collaboration and encouraged stronger partnerships in future community service initiatives.
He emphasised that when clubs unite their resources, ideas and efforts, they can achieve better outcomes and deliver more meaningful benefits to society.
He further noted that continued collaboration would help build a better future and strengthen communities through shared responsibility and service.
To reinforce his message, he quoted words attributed to Pope Francis:
“Rivers don’t drink their own water, and lions don’t eat their own children.”
The quotation conveyed a message of selflessness and generosity, reminding participants of the importance of using their resources and abilities to benefit others.
His message aligned with Rotary’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self,” reinforcing the importance of collective responsibility and humanitarian service.
20 ROTARY CLUBS UNITE FOR A COMMON PURPOSE
The initiative brought together 20 Rotary clubs in a demonstration of unity, fellowship and shared responsibility.
The participating clubs were:
Rotary Club of Minimah Estate
Rotary Club of Gbagada
Rotary Club of Alapere
Rotary Club of Shomolu
Rotary Club of Victoria Island East
Rotary Club of Lagos Prime Ikeja
Rotary Club of Ikeja Alausa Central
Rotary Club of Eleko Golden
Rotary Club of Mende Midtown
Rotary Club of Ikeja Alausa
Rotary Club of Ikorodu Metropolitan
Rotary Club of Falomo
Rotary Club of Revolution
Rotary Club of Eko Heights
Rotary Club of Lekki Central
Rotary Club of Ogudu GRA
Rotary Club of Akute Golden
Rotary Club of Banana Island
Rotary Club of Lagos Island
Rotary Club of Victoria Island
Their combined participation demonstrated how collaboration among service organisations can extend the reach of humanitarian projects and help address essential community needs.
From clean water and improved learning facilities to electricity, first aid, waste management and tree planting, the project reflected a comprehensive approach to community development.
