By: Odieh Ramon, Yenagoa.

Prominent Rotarians and Rotaractors from across Nigeria converged at the Rivers State capital, Port Harcourt, the penultimate weekend, for the 2025 All Nigerian Rotary Convention (ANRC), celebrating service, strengthening collaboration, and igniting new pathways to prosperity.

The All Nigerian Rotary Convention (ANRC), held from 20th to 22nd November 2025, blended reflection with celebration, and learning with cultural pride, underscoring Rotary’s enduring mission of “Service Above Self.”

The convention, which also witnessed a symbolic Bonfire Night, aptly named Yinka Bonfire Night, in honour of Rotary International President-Elect (RIPE) Yinka Babalola, and the evening set the tone for the days ahead, fostering connection, warmth, and camaraderie as participants prepared for intense learning and engagement.

Distinguished Rotary leaders delivered impactful presentations that emphasized Rotary’s influence on community development, public health, and national prosperity.

Past District Governor (PDG)Joshua Hassan led conversations on sustaining Nigeria’s polio-free status, reinforcing Rotary’s vigilance and historic contributions to global health.

A compelling panel on transformational Rotary projects, moderated by PDG Andy Uwejeyan, highlighted the life-changing impact of initiatives such as Together for Healthy Families Nigeria and the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge.

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, who was the Keynote Speaker, gave a thought-provoking speech on ‘Rebuilding a fractured or broken nation’. He called for all hands to be on deck in rebuilding families and society while commending Rotary for the service it renders.

The future of Rotary in Nigeria also came into focus as PDG Nze Anizor and PDG Obafunsho Ogunkeye examined evolving volunteerism and the urgency of innovative membership expansion. Discussions on public-private partnerships, led by Past Assistant Governor Ibim Semenitari, spotlighted Rotary’s credibility as a bridge-builder for sustainable development.

“There is no trust deficit when dealing with Rotarians,” a panelist noted, echoing the organization’s long-standing global reputation.

Rotaractors had their moment as well, with District Rotaract Representative (DRR) Margarita Akuchi, Rotaractor Delight Ekwueme, and Past District Rotaract Representative (PDRR) Kingsley Awo advocating dual membership and stronger mentorship pathways for young leaders.

A key message threaded across all sessions was the need for visibility, accountability, and accurate reportage to reinforce Rotary’s public image and the credibility of its humanitarian interventions.

Rotary International President-Elect Yinka Babalola delivered a keynote address, “A New Dawn for Africa: Imperatives for Growth,” calling for deeper synergy among Nigeria’s Rotary districts, membership expansion, and strategic investment in The Rotary Foundation.

TRF Trustee Ijeoma Okoro emphasized that the Foundation’s global credibility, supported by a four-star Charity Navigator rating, must be matched by increased contributions and active grant utilization.

Rotary International Director Elect (RIDE) Emmanuel Katongole spoke on Rotary’s transformative power across health, education, and global peace, urging clubs to sustain their momentum in “doing good in the world.”

The inter-district cultural competition was the highlight, with District 9142 emerging victorious after a masterful showcase that merged choreography with cultural symbolism.

The evening, graced by top Rotary leaders including RIPE Yinka Babalola and The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Trustee Chair Ijeoma Okoro, reinforced Rotary’s role in preserving culture, promoting unity, and fostering global understanding.

The convention concluded in spectacular style with a novelty football match between Yinka Babes and Ijeoma Guys at the Sharks Football Stadium, which ended in a 3-3 draw, and a Gala Night at the EUI Event Center, a celebration of achievement, impact, and fellowship.

Draped elegantly and filled with dignitaries from across Africa, the night honoured Rotarians and Rotaractors whose commitment continues to uplift communities. Rotaractors electrified the evening with enthusiastic donations to The Rotary Foundation, demonstrating their growing leadership and dedication to humanitarian service.

A symbolic presentation by visiting Tanzanian Rotarians to RIPE Yinka Babalola added international colour to the celebration, underscoring Rotary’s global brotherhood.