Outstanding Rotary clubs are rarely built by one individual. They are built by teams united by a common purpose. That philosophy defined the Rotary Club of Ikoyi during the 2025–2026 Rotary year as Immediate Past President Clare Omatseye, her Board of Directors, committee chairmen and members combined their expertise to deliver one of the club’s most successful years in recent history.
Working alongside President Omatseye were President-Elect Christopher Ehiogie, First Vice President Chris Amakulo, Second Vice President Taiwo Oriretan, Immediate Past President Emmanuel Efuntayo, Secretary Islamiat Okikiola Sanni, Treasurer Damilola Owoeye, Assistant Treasurer Olabisi Oke and a dedicated Board that provided strategic direction throughout the year.
The club’s success was equally driven by an experienced committee structure. Bashir Oladunni strengthened club administration, Dr Douglas Jombo spearheaded membership development, PP Adetoun Agbe-Davies coordinated impactful community service projects, Yomi Orenuga led The Rotary Foundation, Winifred Ebiye elevated the club’s public image, PP Nkiru Akarutu-Balogun championed youth service, while Olayinka Ola-Daniel coordinated the We Care Committee to deepen fellowship and member engagement. Alternate Directors Sabur Garuba and Akintayo Adebayo also played significant roles in supporting the Board’s work.
The results reflected the strength of this collective leadership.
Membership grew from 86 to 105 Rotarians, representing more than 22 per cent growth and earning the club Mega Club status. Beyond strengthening its own membership, the club achieved one of its most enduring legacies by successfully mentoring and chartering the Rotary Club of Bourdillon Prestige under the leadership of Charter President Rtn. Winifred Ebiye. The new club, which started as a provisional club under Rotary Club of Ikoyi’s mentorship, has since become a vibrant addition to District 9112, extending Rotary’s reach and multiplying its capacity for service.
Service remained at the heart of the club’s activities. During the Rotary year, Rotary Club of Ikoyi executed 21 impactful projects across Disease Prevention and Treatment, Maternal and Child Health, Community Economic Development, Youth Service, Environmental Sustainability and Polio Eradication. Highlights included maternal health interventions, cancer awareness campaigns, medical outreaches, school health programmes and emergency preparedness initiatives that touched thousands of lives.
“Membership growth was matched by strategic expansion, culminating in the successful chartering of the Rotary Club of Bourdillon Prestige.”
The Rotary Foundation was another area of exceptional performance. The club contributed US$35,362 to the Annual Fund against a target of US$20,000, achieving 177 per cent of its goal. PolioPlus giving reached US$3,175, exceeding target by 212 per cent, while total Foundation giving stood at US$38,537. The club also celebrated two Major Donors, each contributing US$10,000, reflecting its enduring culture of generosity.
Rotary Club of Ikoyi also demonstrated remarkable commitment to the district. It contributed over ₦20.258 million in cash and in-kind support to District 9112 projects, including the donation of a 10KVA generator to the District Office. More than 20 members served on over 36 district committees and assignments, reinforcing the club’s reputation as one of the district’s strongest pillars of leadership and service.
Public Image remained one of the club’s defining strengths. Under Winifred Ebiye’s leadership, the committee generated 44 media stories during the year while maintaining strong visibility across television, newspapers and digital platforms, ensuring Rotary’s humanitarian impact reached a wider audience.
The club also invested heavily in developing the next generation of leaders. It sponsored 42 participants for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), supported an outstanding Rotaract Club, maintained eight Interact Clubs and continued to nurture young people through mentorship and leadership opportunities.
By the close of the Rotary year, Rotary Club of Ikoyi had achieved all 26 Rotary Club Central goals, attained All-Giving Club status, expanded its membership, chartered a new Rotary club and delivered transformative service across its communities. It was a year that proved an important truth: while presidents provide vision, lasting Rotary success is built by dedicated teams working together in the spirit of Service Above Self.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
