Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo will arrive in Abuja for the final leg of his Nigeria tour, with visits to Polio House and the Presidential Villa
Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends of Rotary across District 9127 are set to welcome the President of Rotary International, Francesco Arezzo, and his spouse, Anna Maria Arezzo-Criscione, to Abuja on Tuesday, February 17, for the final leg of their Nigeria-wide tour.
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President Arezzo, who arrived in Lagos on February 13, will fly into Abuja from Port Harcourt and is expected to receive a colourful reception at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
In a statement signed by Dr. Max Amuchie, District 9127 Media Relations Chair, the Chairman of the Reception Planning Committee, Dr. Goddy Nnadi, said elaborate preparations have been concluded to accord the Rotary leader a befitting welcome.
He noted that Rotarians dressed in Rotary regalia and cultural dance troupes would be on hand to showcase the district’s hospitality.
Members of the presidential entourage include Rotary International President-elect Rotarian Yinka Babalola and his spouse, Preba Babalola;
Trustee of The Rotary Foundation, Rotarian Ijeoma Pearl Okoro and her husband, Rotarian Kingsley Okoro, as well as five other District Governors in Nigeria.
District Governor Dame (Dr.) Joy Okoro, host of the visit, described the occasion as a significant moment for District 9127.
She said the visit highlights Rotary’s commitment to service, peacebuilding and disease eradication, adding that the district is ready to showcase its impactful projects.
Following his arrival, President Arezzo is scheduled for a private dinner with philanthropist and Rotary leader, Sir Emeka Offor.
On Wednesday, the Rotary International President will visit Polio House in Area 2, Abuja, where he will receive a briefing from the Nigerian National PolioPlus Committee on polio eradication efforts.
He is also expected to participate in a symbolic immunisation exercise at a Primary Healthcare Centre in Area 2, reinforcing Rotary’s longstanding global campaign against polio.
At noon, Arezzo will address members of District 9127 at the Sir Emeka Offor Hall, Rotary Centre, Abuja, outlining Rotary International’s vision and strategic priorities.
The visit will also feature a courtesy call on President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa to strengthen collaboration on humanitarian and development initiatives.
President Arezzo is scheduled to depart Nigeria on Thursday, February 19, concluding a tour aimed at deepening Rotary’s partnerships and expanding its impact nationwide.
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District 9127, which covers the Federal Capital Territory and several North-Central states, plays a leading role in Rotary’s focus areas, including disease prevention, maternal and child health, education, economic empowerment and peacebuilding.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
