The newly installed Rotary District Governor, Rtn. Nkemdili Nnonyelu has outlined seven areas of focus for the year, which include peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, and maternal and child health and Improvement of the environment.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that Nnonyelu, a professor in the Sociology and Anthropology Department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State,
while speaking at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Awka recently during his installation as the eighth Governor of the Rotary International, District 9142, appreciated Prof. Chukwuma Soludo on his giant stride.
Rtn. Nnonyelu commended Soludo for his efforts in turning Anambra State around and revamping the city of Awka and reiterated his attachment to the ideals of Rotary, expressing optimism that with support, they will do well.
He emphasized Rotary’s commitment to these causes, highlighting the organization’s values of fellowship, integrity, diversity, service, and leadership.
“Across the seven states, to stop open defecation we shall embark on construction of toilet facilities and drilling of water boreholes in 14 public primary schools at the cost of 70 million naira and 42 million respectively.
“Our dust to desk program shall seek provision of classroom desk and chairs for pupils receiving lessons sitting on bare floor at the cost of 17 million naira.
“Other programs include sponsoring spelling bee competition for primary school pupils and payment of WASSCE fees for indigent secondary school students.
“Empowerment scheme for 350 vulnerable widows; maternal and child health programs for expectant, nursing mothers and infants, mental health assistance, prostrate and breast cancer screening, providing treated mosquito nets and insecticides against malaria, intensification of polio eradication advocacy. These multi million naira projects are to be done by Rotarians and Friends of Rotary,” said Prof Nonyelu.
In his valedictory speech, the outgoing District Governor, Akan Ema revealed that under his administration, Rotary kept faith with it’s tenet of adding value to the society and appreciated all that supported them.
Meanwhile, once shrouded in a cloud of mystery, Rotary International has been a subject of speculation, with whispers of it being a secret cult synonymous with power and secrecy. However, Rotarian Tochi Amalu, the District Public Image Chairman while briefing journalists at the occasion, dispelled these misconceptions, shedding light on the true essence of Rotary’s mission.
“Rotary is not a secret cult. The belief that Rotary is a secret cult is a product of misinformation and hearsay. It is imperative for society to understand that Rotary is an international service organization committed to making a positive difference in the world.”
Amidst the intrigue surrounding Rotary’s activities, Amalu explains that the organization’s core values revolve around fostering peace, goodwill, and better communities. With an altruistic approach, Rotary dedicates its efforts to humanitarian causes, such as eradicating polio, providing clean drinking water, supporting education, and promoting sustainable development.
“We will embark on dust- to-desk project, meaning that we want to ensure that primary and secondary schools in the seven states (Anambra, Enugu, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom) in our District, start sitting on chairs instead of bare floor. We are also embarking on providing toilet facilities like drilling of water boreholes for some schools in the District, and we will also give stipends to indigent widows in the society. We hold open meetings, public projects, and have ongoing partnerships with renowned institutions. These partnerships have solidified Rotary’s credibility, providing visibility and validation from trusted entities.
