The Rotary Club of Wuse Central, Abuja, at the weekend celebrated a double milestone – its 25th anniversary and the historic installation of its first woman president, Rotarian Folashade Samuel – marking a defining moment in the club’s history of service and inclusive leadership.
The silver jubilee and 27th presidential investiture ceremony drew high-level attendance from government officials, health experts, development partners and fellow Rotarians. The event highlighted the club’s enduring commitment to humanitarian service and the significance of a gender-progressive transition in leadership.
In her inaugural address, Samuel, who now leads the club into the 2025 – 2026 Rotary Year, expressed deep gratitude and an unwavering sense of responsibility as she outlined her vision under the international Rotary theme, Unite for Good.
“To say I’m excited would be an understatement. My heart is overflowing with joy and purpose,” she said. “Unite for Good is more than a theme – it is a powerful call to collective action. When we unite our hearts, minds and hands, there is no limit to the impact we can make.”
She pledged to expand the club’s humanitarian impact through innovation, transparency and stronger collaboration with public institutions and grassroots organisations.
“We will continue to champion initiatives that uplift the vulnerable and restore hope, always seeking new approaches to service rooted in compassion and measurable impact,” she added.
Samuel reaffirmed Rotary’s core values, urging members to lead by example through intentional service and ethical conduct. She described The Four-Way Test (Rotary’s guiding ethical framework) as more than a mantra but a compass for principled decision-making in both personal and public life.
“Whether it’s legislation, governance, business policy, or social relationships, this test reminds us to ask: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”
Outgoing president, Rtn. Tomola Emaleku praised the club’s legacy and expressed full confidence in his successor’s ability to chart a bold new course.
“Today marks not only 25 years of Rotary Club Wuse Central, but also a historic transition of leadership. I believe our new president will serve with vision, passion and unwavering commitment,” Emaleku said.
Delivering goodwill messages, guests at the event challenged the club to deepen its impact in healthcare, leadership and grassroots development.
Chief operating officer and managing director of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah urged stronger partnerships with community-based organisations (CBOs) to expand access to health care in underserved areas.
“We’re facing significant health funding shortfalls globally, especially in Nigeria,” Mensah said. “Rotary fills critical gaps. As polio eradication winds down, the club should turn its energy toward other pressing health challenges.”
He encouraged broader public support, noting, “You don’t have to be a Rotarian to make a difference. Whether it’s ₦1,000 or ₦1 billion, every contribution counts.”
Also speaking, the secretary of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Ministerial Oversight Committee, Dr. Oritseweyimi Ogbe called for integrated, community-level health interventions.
“Rotary played a critical role in the fight against polio. Now is the time to go further; building trust, creating awareness and expanding access to essential health services at the grassroots.”
Mandate secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi commended the club’s choice of leadership and said the Rotary theme aligns with Nigeria’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
“Rotary translates global goals into local action. Unite for Good is not just a theme, it is a movement,” she said.
She urged women leaders to lead with authenticity, purpose and impact.
“Be the best woman you can be; not just in name, but in action, influence and heart. That is how we change the world.”
