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Rotary Pledges More Support, More Selfless Service to Humanity as Rotary District 9142 Holds The Rotary Foundation Seminar and Dinner in Uyo

Rotary Club gives us an opportunity that no social, political or specialized business club can do. It is strong on the human side; it stands for the individual, unfetters him, appeals to his originality, brings out his latent powers, and puts him at his best by extending him the full measure of his confidence and appealing to the best that is in him – ‘service not self’
(Glenn C. Mead, 1912-13 Rotary International President)

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The Rotary Foundation is recognized as one of the most effective and well-managed charitable organizations in the world, with 12 consecutive four-star ratings from Charity Navigator and an A-plus rating from CharityWatch. Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects; transforming gifts into service schemes that change lives both close to home and around the world.

November is the Rotary Foundation Month; it marks a period when Rotary reaffirms its commitment to promoting humanity causes by carrying out designated programmes aimed at raising funds for The Foundation. On the 26th through 27th of November, members of the Rotary family and lovers of humanity gathered in the beautiful city of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State as Rotary District 9142 held The Rotary Foundation Seminar and Dinner.

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Rotary District 9142 which comprises of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, is led by District Governor (DG) Okey Okonkwo. The event which had Professor Emem Bassey as the Host Organizing Chair held at Breakfort Hotel and Suites, featuring lectures, interactive sessions, fundraising and recognitions. The event commenced on a high note with “Members’ Orientation/Frankly Speaking” Session with District Governor Okey Okonkwo, Past District Governor (PDG) Jumoke Bamigboye, PDG Emman Ude Akpeh, PDG Dan Ajawara, PDG Ndukwe Chukwu, PDG Akabom Enebong, District Governor Elect Grace Okaro and District Governor Nominee Akan Emah as panelists.

The District Trainer, PDG Emman Ude Akpeh anchored the seminar procedures and took participants through an interesting journey of The Foundation’s working in improving lives. DG Okey Okonkwo reviewed the state of the District, mapping out ways Rotarians and Clubs can do better in delivering service to humanity. PDG Ndukwe Chukwu followed with an inspiring story on why ‘we’ should give to The Rotary Foundation (TRF). He based his story on experiences of immense appreciation and goodwill accorded him. Notably, the District Foundation Chair, PDG Akabom Enebong handled the process of taking actions through the Rotary Foundation while AGD Linus Eze thrilled all with how The Rotary Foundation transforms gifts into projects.

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PAG Onyinye Ralph-Nwachukwu took a practical approach in guiding participants on simple and swift TRF giving via online tools. Relatively, ADRR Fortune Obieze gave an insight on innovative ways of giving to change lives. The learning options were not limited to physical presentations; through the virtual option, PDG Ijeoma Okoro engaged participants on the steps of TRF fundraising process while PDG Geeta Maneek handled how to harness significant gifts. Breakout sessions were initiated to gain more engagement and involvement; PDG Ndukwe Chukwu, DGE Grace Okaro, DGN Akan Emah and PAG Chika Ekwueme handled the sessions, taking participants through the challenges associated with giving to The Rotary Foundation and how to navigate them.

An interactive session was also anchored to address some concerns of Rotary. The panel members were DG Okey Okonkwo, PDG Ndukwe Chukwu, PDG Akabom Enebong, PDG Jumoke Bamigboye and DGE Grace Okaro. One of the numerous high points of The Rotary Foundation Seminar and Dinner was unveiling of the Polio Book titled “So They Can Walk: The Story of Polio Eradication in Nigeria (The Rotary Perspective)”. With the foreword written by Dr. Tunji Funsho (Chairman, Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee); the book chronicles the story of polio eradication in Nigeria – the challenges, confrontations and contests that led to Nigeria becoming certified as a country that has interrupted the transmission of the indigenous wild poliovirus. Participants keyed into the launching call and supported the unveiling with great enthusiasm.

After an engaging session of lectures and practical sessions, participants responded to the stimulus of giving and affirmed their commitment to support the good cause of The Rotary Foundation by donating. Instant donations to The Rotary Foundation were recorded and in return, DG Okey Okonkwo appreciated donors with beautiful gifts. The donating spree was not only limited to Rotarians and guests as Rotaractors joined the train and donated generously.

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The last activity marking The Rotary Foundation Seminar and Dinner was the Dinner proper. The dinner was set out as a platform to celebrate Rotarians, Rotaractors and Guests and also roll out appreciations for all supports to The Rotary Foundation. Among the recognitions and decorations carried out was that PAG Paul Ileka, who was decorated as a Major Donor and Benefactor of the Rotary Foundation. Also, PAG Segun Tijani was recognized and decorated as a Second Level Major Donor of the Rotary Foundation. A good number of Rotarians were decorated as Paul Harris Fellows at different levels. Indeed Rotary is where great causes are nurtured and sustained!

If you are in need of a platform that would transform your gift into impactful projects, think Rotary!

If you love humanity, join Rotary and contribute to a better world.

We are a global network of 1.4 million neighbours, friends, leaders and problem solvers in need of more willing hands and more caring hearts to unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

For more info, visit www.rotary.org or send a mail to [email protected].

You can equally chat us up via Social media. Facebook: Rotary International D9142 e-community. Instagram: @ri_district_9142
#RotaryisGood