The Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair and Past Rotary International President, Mark Maloney, will visit Nigeria from Thursday, January 16, to Monday, January 20, 2025, accompanied by his spouse, Gay.
This visit highlights Rotary’s steadfast commitment to humanitarian service, fostering partnerships, and supporting impactful initiatives in Africa.
Maloney will be welcomed by Rotary Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, District Governors from Nigeria’s six Rotary International Districts, and other senior leaders, including Past Rotary International Vice President Yinka Babalola.
Highlights of the Visit:
* Engagement with Leadership: On January 17, 2025, Maloney will meet with the President of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to discuss Rotary’s contributions to national development.
* Spotlight on Rotary in Nigeria: Nigeria is a cornerstone of Rotary’s global mission, boasting the highest number of districts in Africa and the largest humanitarian giving in the Africa Zone. It is also a beneficiary of the $2 million Programmes of Scale grant, supporting Maternal and Child Health.
* Community Outreach and Engagements:
Town Hall meetings in Abuja and Lagos to connect with Rotarians and Rotaractors.
Symbolic polio immunization at Jahi Primary Health Centre, Abuja, on January 16.
o Visits to impactful project sites, including the Indo Eye Care Foundation in Lagos and underserved communities in Abuja.
Celebratory Events:
Maloney’s visit will feature two major fundraising events:
* Gala Night in Abuja (January 17): A celebration to inspire increased contributions to The Rotary Foundation.
* Lagos Dinner (January 19): A ticketed event to unite Rotarians, friends, and partners in support of Rotary’s mission.
Rotary Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okoro expressed optimism about the visit’s impact: “This visit is creating positive vibes across communities in Nigeria and Ghana, showcasing how The Rotary Foundation is transforming lives. I am confident that Rotarians and friends of Rotary will find renewed passion and fulfillment in serving others.”
Victor Onukwugha, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, added, “Rotary’s commitment to polio eradication, clean water, education, and disease prevention continues to leave an indelible mark on Nigeria, making it polio-free and a model for impactful service.”
Also speaking on the visit, Governors for Rotary International Disrict 9111 and 9112, Wole Kukoyi and Femi Adenekan disclosed that “the purpose of this visit include advocacy, stewardship, fundraising and showcasing the tremendous impact of The Rotary Foundation in Nigeria and globally”
