.Pledges strong partnership with FG, sets 2026–2027 agenda
By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Rotary International has vowed to sustain its global campaign to achieve zero-polio record in Nigeria and across Africa, while working hard to wipe out other preventable diseases.
Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the President-elect of Rotary International, Yinka Babalola also unveiled his organisation’s strategic measures aimed at strengthening collaboration with the federal government, states and development partners, as well as private individuals.
Babalola advocated support and partnership to advance maternal and child healthcare, stressing that Rotary’s focus remains to save lives and build stronger communities beyond boundaries.
The president-elect, who will officially assume office on July 1, 2026, said his administration will design and strengthen health systems within and beyond Nigeria to tackle childhood killer diseases such as malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea.
He noted that Rotary International operates as a global network of community leaders committed to making positive impact on the world, adding that its mission is anchored on service, integrity, peace and understanding.
Responding to questions, the president-elect explained that his administration will not depart from the foundational focus of Rotary, which is built around seven key areas of intervention programmes.
These, he said, are grouped into three broad categories: human development, community well-being and sustainable development.
Under human development, Babalola disclosed that Rotary under his leadership will prioritise basic education and literacy by strengthening community capacity for the purpose of supporting schools, reducing gender disparity, as well as increasing adult literacy.
On maternal and child health, he informed that his establishment is committed to improving access to essential medical services, reducing mortality rate among children, as well as train more healthcare providers.
He, however, pledged the readiness of his agency to continuously set up modalities for the prevention and treatment of diseases.
He pledged his association’s determination to consistently push for universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene through sustainable systems that protect communities from preventable outbreaks.
In the area of sustainable development, Babalola said Rotary will expand its efforts in economic and community development by empowering entrepreneurs for the purpose of strengthening small businesses within Africa and beyond.
He added that his organisation will intensify environmental protection initiatives and peace-building projects, including conflict prevention and resolution.
AljazirahNigeria reports that Babalola before his new position was a member of Rotary Club of Trans Amadi in Nigeria and was elected by Rotary International Board of Directors, following the resignation of SangKoo Yun on health grounds.
He is the second African and Nigerian to lead the global humanitarian organisation in its 120-year history for humanity.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Council of Governors Rotary District 9127, Joshua Hassan told journalists that Babalola’s election is a clarion call for all Rotorians and friends in Nigeria and beyond to increase and deepen their partnership.
