Rotarian Arinze (in middle dressed in white wit a cap to fit) surrounded by his supporters
A political scientist, freelance marketer and linguist, Rotarian Ali Arinze has been installed the 9th President of the Rotary Club of Awka Smithtown at Hilton Leisure Hotel, Awka.
Rotarian Arinze whose installation attracted the traditional ruler of Nawfija, Igwe Clifford Okeke in Orumba South Local Government Area articulated his projects within the 2024-2025 Rotary Year.
He said some of the projects were distribution of mosquito nets, drugs and maternal kits to run into thousands of naira, construction of bill boards, and provision of pipe born water for rural development to cost millions, to pay for West African Examination Council (WAEC) registration for twenty students. Others are construction of bus stops, seminars, among others.
He said one of the principal activities of the Rotary Club is to give a sense of belonging to both the rural and urban dwellers which he also described as a collective responsibility and urged the well-to-do people in society to contribute meaningfully to uplift the needy.
“Thank you for the opportunity to see and contribute in achieving the objectives of the Rotary Club. We will continue to be resilient in our humanitarian duties.
“We cannot do it alone, therefore, we appeal to well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organizations to support our humanitarian project for the betterment of the country, “he said.
The immediate past president, Rotarian Valentine Okaudu in his valedictory speech said his administration within the twelve-month period conducted oral hygiene campaign at primary schools, distributed oral kits to assist the pupils, provided borehole facility, HIV/AIDS awareness campaign and free test at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and a couple of other activities.
He said that execution of projects in Rotary Club is based on voluntary contributions. He, therefore, advised members not to relent in serving society.
The royal father of the day, Igwe Okeke said he loved to identify with Rotary Club activities as it is service-oriented and congratulated the newly installed President who he said had his royal blessings.
“Rotary is known for humanitarian service. They are doing their best and I pray for them, “the Igwe added.
Cultural dance troupe led in Rotarian Arinze to the arena as part of the high-points of the event.
