President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and Rotary International in healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and community development.
Tinubu made the call on Sunday night in Abuja at the Presidential Inaugural Ball held in honour of Rotary International President, Mr. Olayinka Babalola, who assumed office on July 1 as the second African to lead the 121-year-old organisation.
The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, described the humanitarian organisation as a critical partner in advancing Nigeria’s development agenda.
He also described Babalola’s emergence as a historic achievement for Nigeria and the African continent.
“Babalola’s emergence as the second African to lead Rotary International is a proud moment for Nigeria and our continent. This is not merely a personal distinction. It is a national statement that shows Nigeria continues to produce men and women of competence and character whose leadership commands global respect,” he said.
Tinubu said Rotary’s values of service, integrity, fellowship, diversity, and leadership align with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises healthcare, education, youth development, job creation, and improved service delivery.
The President commended Rotary’s contribution to the eradication of wild poliovirus in Nigeria and Africa, describing the organisation’s role in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative as one of the greatest examples of international cooperation in public health.
“Government alone cannot do the work of national transformation. I therefore use this occasion to invite Rotary in Nigeria, and the global Rotary family under President Babalola’s leadership, to deepen partnership with the Federal Government in key human development sectors,” he said.
Tinubu said collaboration in primary healthcare, maternal and child health, basic education, literacy, and youth skills development would produce measurable and lasting benefits for Nigerians.
Also speaking, Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, said government alone could not solve the country’s social and humanitarian challenges. He called for stronger collaboration with civil society organisations, professional bodies, corporate organisations, and volunteers.
Akpabio, represented by Sen. Titus Zam, described Babalola’s inauguration as a proud moment for Nigeria and Africa, and a triumph of character, service, and humanity.
“Every contribution made tonight to this fundraising effort is more than a donation — it is an investment in hope and a vote for healthier children. Civil society, professional associations, private citizens, and corporate organisations all have indispensable roles to play in nation-building,” he said.
The Senate President commended Rotary’s global humanitarian interventions, particularly in healthcare, education, disease prevention, and access to clean water. He said Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” should inspire public office holders to place national development above personal interests.
Akpabio also urged Nigerians to unite against insecurity, stressing that criminality transcends ethnic, religious, and political divides.
“Crime has no ethnicity, terror has no denomination, and violence recognises no political party. Therefore, our response must also rise above ethnicity, religion, and politics,” he said.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Babalola’s election as a defining moment for Nigeria and Africa, noting that it came 22 years after the late Jonathan Majiyagbe became the first African to occupy the office.
Obasanjo said the milestone reflected Africa’s growing recognition for leadership, integrity, and service.
“Africa is watching. Nigeria is watching. History is watching,” he said.
He urged Babalola to anchor his administration on Rotary’s Four-Way Test of truth, fairness, goodwill, and benefit to all, while strengthening the Rotary Foundation, investing in young Rotarians, and promoting ethical leadership.
“You now walk through that door. Do not just follow the path, widen it, so that the third African, the fourth, will come faster than 22 years,” he said.
In his inaugural address, Babalola said Rotary’s humanitarian programmes in Nigeria had demonstrated the transformative power of partnerships in improving public health and community development.
He said Rotary remained committed to sustaining the gains made in the fight against polio while expanding interventions to tackle maternal mortality and other public health challenges.
Babalola said the organisation’s “Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria” programme had exceeded expectations in pilot states.
“Our target was to reduce infant mortality by 25 per cent. Infant mortality was reduced by more than 50 per cent, while maternal mortality was reduced by 35 per cent,” he said.
He said Rotary had also committed about $8.5 million to the Healthy Community Challenge in Kebbi and Akwa Ibom states to combat malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoeal diseases through prevention, health education, and community engagement.
Babalola recalled visiting a health facility in Gombe State where health workers reported that no maternal or infant death had been recorded in the preceding 12 months following Rotary’s intervention.
“This reminds us that our work does not end with a single project or a single year. We are in the business of building a better future,” he said.
The Rotary president appreciated the Federal Government for supporting the organisation’s humanitarian programmes.
Babalola, whose one-year tenure as Rotary International President began on July 1, is the second African and second Nigerian to occupy the office after the late Jonathan Majiyagbe in 2003.
