Bakare charges Rotary Presidents-elect on impactful service

The incoming District Governor of Rotary Int’l District 9111 for the 2026–2027 Rotary year, Bukola Bakare, has urged incoming club presidents to prioritise impactful service, membership growth and sustainability in order to strengthen humanitarian efforts across communities.

Bakare made the call during the district’s Presidents-elect Learning Seminar (PELS) held in Lagos, where she outlined the strategic direction for the district under the theme, “Create Lasting Impacts.”

Bakare described the role of incoming presidents as a call to “intentional, measurable and sustainable service,” stressing that Rotary’s future relevance depends largely on strengthening its membership base and expanding community-focused initiatives.

According to her, the district currently has about 80 Rotary clubs, but a significant number of them operate with fewer than 20 members, a development she described as a challenge that requires urgent attention.

“Membership is Rotary Int’l’s number one internal priority. Without growth, we risk decline. That is why we are declaring a membership emergency and setting a target of 25 per cent net growth for the district,” she said.

Bakare disclosed that the district currently has about 2,570 members and aims to increase that number significantly through deliberate strategies including the establishment of at least 20 new clubs, particularly e-clubs, and the introduction of flexible meeting formats designed to attract younger professionals.

She noted that leadership opportunities, mentorship and improved club experience would also be deployed to retain existing members and encourage them to bring in new ones.
On the Rotary Foundation, which she described as Rotary’s foremost external priority, Bakare announced a fundraising target of $700,000 for the Rotary year.

The funds, she explained, would be raised through contributions from major donors, corporate partnerships and the “Every Rotarian, Every Year” initiative aimed at encouraging members to make consistent donations.

Beyond membership and fundraising, Bakare unveiled major service projects planned for the year, including the construction of a 60-bed mental health facility to be known as the Rotary Wellness Centre at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Yaba.

She added that the district would also embark on medical outreaches, teacher development programmes, youth empowerment initiatives and peace ambassadorial certification schemes.
Bakare emphasised that improved public image and visibility would be key to achieving these goals, noting that effective storytelling about Rotary’s humanitarian impact would attract partners, donors and new members.

“Our vision is to build a stronger, more innovative and future-ready district that will leave an enduring legacy of service,” she said.

The current District Governor, Prince Henry Akinyele in his speech said the seminar will equip the incoming Presidents with the knowledge, tools and every thing required to lead their clubs effectively during their service year. 

Past District Governor, Bola Oyebade advised the participants to take good advantage of the seminar to prepare themselves for the responsibilities ahead while the Chairman, Planning Committee, Jelili Efedi said the seminar will help the participants shape the future of their various clubs 

At the event were Past District Governors such as Asiwaju Olawale Cole, Deinde Shoga among others.