A Pharmacist, Legal Practitioner and Theologian, District Governor Charges Somolu Rotarians to Deepen Engagement, Build Leaders and Remain Focused on “Service Above Self”
The Rotary Club of Somolu on Thursday, 20 August 2026, hosted Rotarian Layi Abidoye, a Pharmacist, Legal Practitioner and Theologian, and District Governor of Rotary International District 9112, on his official visit to the club.
He was accompanied by PAG Tony Eigbokhan, FNIA, District Executive Secretary; PP Ezekiel Balogun, District Treasurer; PAG Saudat Adenike Abdul-Azeez, Chief of Staff; and AG Olubunmi Ogutande, AG Special Duties.
The District Governor and his team received a warm welcome from the officers and members of Rotary Club of Somolu, particularly the Board led by Rtn. Adesanya Adetola, PHF+, President.
The meeting commenced at 7:45 p.m. with the Rotary Grace, followed by the Four-Way Test, setting the tone for an evening of fellowship, leadership and service.
“GBAGADA GAVE BIRTH TO SOMOLU”
Reflecting on the club’s history, Rotarian Layi Abidoye noted that his Rotary Club of Gbagada gave birth to the Rotary Club of Somolu.
He encouraged members to preserve that heritage while remaining committed to active participation, fellowship and service.
SOMOLU COMMENDED FOR MEMBERSHIP BREAKTHROUGH
A major highlight was the District Governor’s commendation of Somolu’s membership achievement. He disclosed that Rotary Club of Somolu is, so far in the current Rotary year, the only club that has successfully inducted eight new members.
He urged members to sustain the momentum with the principle:
“Let one person bring one person to the club.”
He also promised a free ticket to members who successfully bring 10 new members into Rotary.
The visit further witnessed the induction of a new member, a businesswoman, strengthening the club’s membership drive.
DEEPENING MEMBER ENGAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
Rotarian Layi Abidoye encouraged members to reconnect with old and inactive Rotarians through personal visits and, where possible, Rotary meetings in their homes. He also urged members in the diaspora to remain active and connected.
He emphasized leadership development, encouraging aspiring Presidents to make themselves available to head committees and gain practical experience.
Where the President is unavailable, the Immediate Past President (IPP) can take the lead in the affairs of the club. Where a Vice President is available, such emerging leaders should be encouraged to participate in the President-Elect Training (PET) programme.
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT, FOUNDATION GIVING AND EREY
The District Governor encouraged members to deepen their financial commitment to Rotary and its humanitarian causes.
He encouraged every Rotarian to participate in EREY — Every Rotarian Every Year — with a target contribution of $100 annually, emphasizing the importance of individual giving to the Rotary Foundation.
He also highlighted the $10 PolioPlus contribution, encouraging members to support Rotary’s global effort to eradicate polio.
The District Governor further explained the significance of becoming a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF), which recognizes a contribution of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.
He encouraged the club’s Board to review membership fees in line with prevailing economic realities and urged members to pay their annual dues within the first four months of the Rotary year. Instalment payment arrangements were encouraged where necessary.
NURTURING THE ROTARY CLUB OF IMOTA
On Rotary expansion, the DG advised Somolu to properly nurture newly established clubs before creating additional ones, ensuring they are well guided, structured and positioned for sustainable growth.
He highlighted the emerging Rotary Club of Imota, which has 22 incoming members and is awaiting its charter.
In a significant announcement, he disclosed plans to name the Imota Eye Clinic Hospital Project after the Rotary Club of Imota, with the official naming expected during the charter of the new club.
RYLA: DEVELOPING YOUNG LEADERS AND TELLING ROTARY’S STORY
The District Governor encouraged Somolu to organize a free youth-focused leadership and knowledge programme, featuring quiz competitions, reading comprehension, debates, health-based competitions and other educational activities.
He also urged the club to invite traditional rulers, community leaders, Local Government Chairmen and other key stakeholders. Their participation, he noted, would provide an opportunity to tell Rotary’s story, showcase humanitarian projects and highlight the club’s impact.
The winners of the competitions could emerge as the club’s RYLA candidates, depending on the number of candidates the club decides to sponsor. This would make the selection process transparent, competitive and merit-based.
STRONGER CLUB-DISTRICT COLLABORATION
Rotarian Layi Abidoye encouraged the Assistant Governor to engage closely with the club leadership and members on its plans, challenges and priorities.
He emphasized that effective communication and collaboration between the club and district leadership remain essential to achieving Rotary’s objectives.
A MEMORABLE CLOSE
The official visit ended with the presentation of gifts to Rotarian Layi Abidoye and members of his cabinet, as the Rotary Club of Somolu expressed appreciation for their presence and guidance.
In his closing remarks, Rotarian Layi Abidoye, a Pharmacist, Legal Practitioner and Theologian, urged members to remain focused on their common Rotary goal: “Service Above Self.”
The visit was ultimately a powerful call for membership growth, leadership development, financial responsibility, Foundation giving, EREY participation, PolioPlus support, youth empowerment, stronger community engagement and sustainable Rotary expansion.
With its impressive membership growth and commitment to developing leaders and nurturing new clubs, Rotary Club of Somolu continues to demonstrate that its future is rooted in service, growth and purposeful leadership.
GROW THE MEMBERSHIP. DEVELOP THE LEADERS. STRENGTHEN THE COMMUNITY. SERVE ABOVE SELF.
