SEAMLESS LEADERSHIP TRANSITION MARKS THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ROTARY YEAR AS THE CLUB REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO SERVICE ABOVE SELF, HUMANITARIAN EXCELLENCE, AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY IMPACT
The Rotary Club of Shomolu officially ushered in a new Rotary year with a colourful and inspiring Exchange of Baton Ceremony held at Blue Orange Hotel, Shomolu. The memorable event celebrated the successful conclusion of the 2025–2026 Rotary year under the exemplary leadership of President Rtn. Emmanuel Ejime and the formal installation of Rtn. Adesanya Adetola, MPHF, as the Club President for the 2026–2027 Rotary year.
ROTARY LEADERS AND GUESTS GATHER FOR A HISTORIC OCCASION
The ceremony was graced by the Assistant Governor for the Somolu Rotary Clubs, Rtn. Olugbenga Babayemi, alongside Past District Governors, Past Assistant Governors, Past Presidents, Rotarians, invited guests, family members and well-wishers. Proceedings commenced promptly at 6:46 p.m. with the introduction of members and guests, followed by the recitation of the Rotary Grace by all members. The Four-Way Test was led by Rtn. Abiola Ajibade, while the Object of Rotary was presented by Rtn. Johnson Alabi, setting the tone for an evening dedicated to fellowship, appreciation and leadership transition.
*A YEAR OF IMPACTFUL SERVICE GIVES WAY TO A NEW ROTARY VISION*
The occasion celebrated a remarkable year of impactful humanitarian service under the Rotary International theme, “Unite for Good,” while heralding a new chapter under the inspiring 2026–2027 theme, “Create Lasting Impact.” The atmosphere reflected Rotary’s unwavering commitment to its timeless motto, Service Above Self, as members reaffirmed their resolve to continue transforming lives through meaningful community service.
A significant highlight of the evening was the formal recognition of Rtn. Johnson Alabi as the Club’s President-Elect for the 2027–2028 Rotary year, demonstrating the club’s commitment to continuity, succession and sustainable leadership.
*THE EXCHANGE OF BATON SYMBOLISES THE DAWN OF A NEW LEADERSHIP*
Following the adoption of the minutes of the previous meeting, presented by the outgoing Club Secretary, Rtn. Rose Ogah, the ceremony progressed to its most anticipated moment—the official installation of the incoming President.
The installation was masterfully coordinated by one of the club’s distinguished Past Presidents, Rtn. Sunday Ode, Chairman of the Investiture Committee and Chairman of Earthdata Integrated Services Limited. He invited respected Rotary leaders to remove the Presidential Collar (Colarette) from the outgoing President, Rtn. Emmanuel Ejime, and adorn the incoming President, Rtn. Adesanya Adetola, MPHF, with the insignia of office. The symbolic exchange represented the official transfer of authority, responsibility and Rotary leadership to a new administration committed to creating lasting impact.
*MEET THE MAN AT THE HELM: RTN. ADESANYA ADETOLA, MPHF – THE GAME CHANGER CALLED “ABEJOYE”
Rtn. Adesanya Adetola, MPHF, fondly known as “Abejoye,” is a seasoned entrepreneur, business executive and committed humanitarian. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Fountains X Resources Ltd, with business interests spanning real estate, furniture, dredging and event management. A graduate of Business Administration, he is affiliated with several professional bodies and is widely respected for combining business excellence with community service.
Since joining the Rotary Club of Shomolu in 2022, Rtn. Adetola has made remarkable contributions at both club and district levels, supporting key Rotary initiatives including End Polio Now, the Rotary Foundation, and the Cleft Palate Surgery Project. A Multiple Paul Harris Fellow (MPHF), he has earned numerous recognitions for his outstanding service and generosity. Fondly described as “Who the cap fits… the game changer himself,” the Lagos-based Rotarian, married to Omotola, now leads the Rotary Club of Shomolu as Impact President 2026–2027, committed to delivering on Rotary’s vision to Create Lasting Impact.
PRESIDENT ADESANYA ADETOLA UNVEILS A BOLD VISION FOR THE NEW ROTARY YEAR*
In his acceptance address, President Rtn. Adesanya Adetola, MPHF, expressed heartfelt appreciation to members of the Rotary Club of Shomolu for the confidence reposed in him and their unwavering support. He pledged to lead with integrity, dedication and humility while upholding Rotary’s cherished ideal of Service Above Self. He further urged members to embrace the new Rotary theme, “Create Lasting Impact,” by deepening their commitment to impactful service projects, membership growth and stronger community engagement.
The President also unveiled some of his flagship programmes for the month of July, with special emphasis on Maternal and Child Health, one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus. He disclosed that the initiative would be implemented as a collaborative project with other Rotary clubs within the District, reflecting Rotary’s spirit of partnership and collective service.
*NEW CABINET INAUGURATED TO DRIVE THE CLUB’S MISSION*
As part of his commitment to effective leadership and service delivery, President Adetola presented letters of appointment to members of his Board and committee leadership. The appointments include:
Rtn. Abiola Ajibade – Project Chair
Rtn. Johnson Alabi – President-Elect
Rtn. Olukayode Folagboye – Club Secretary
Rtn. Maria Imebong – Membership Chair
PAG Femi Awopetu – Archives Director
Rtn. Elizabeth Oluwaseun – Chair, We Care Committee
*CALL FOR UNITY AHEAD OF INVESTITURE AND DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S VISIT*
In preparation for the forthcoming Investiture Ceremony and the official visit of the District Governor, Rtn. Sunday Ode, Chairman of the Investiture and District Governor’s Visit Committee, called on members to work in unity and give their full support towards the successful execution of both landmark events.
Another notable highlight of the evening was the decoration of the Sergeant-at-Arms, PAG Engr. Mustapha Lusty, by PP Biolatito Adewoye, PHF. The Sergeant-at-Arms was also entrusted with the responsibility of mobilising ₦1 million in support of the club’s programmes and activities for the Rotary year.
*A JOYFUL FINALE USHERS IN A YEAR OF LASTING IMPACT*
The celebration concluded on a joyful note with the cutting of birthday cakes in honour of members born in the months of April, May and June. Members also joined the newly installed President in cutting a ceremonial cake to officially usher in the 2026–2027 Rotary year—a year dedicated to Creating Lasting Impact.
Filled with warmth, fellowship and renewed enthusiasm, the evening came to a glorious close with a celebratory toast as members and guests raised their glasses in unity, friendship and optimism for a Rotary year of greater service, stronger partnerships and lasting impact in the communities they serve.
