By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
District Governor-Elect of Rotary International District 9127, Sikiru Adetona Owonikoko, has urged Rotary leaders to humanise the organisation’s public image, strengthen membership engagement and strategically deploy resources from The Rotary Foundation to drive measurable community impact.
Delivering an address at the District Learning Seminars in Abuja, Owonikoko said Rotary’s reputation must be built on people and stories of service rather than corporate branding.
“You are the face of Rotary. Not the wheel. Not the banner. Not the slogan. You,” he said.
“People do not connect with institutions. They connect with people of action.”
He encouraged clubs to document and publicise tangible community interventions, including education support, health initiatives, youth mentoring and women empowerment.
“Rotary’s public image must be built around real faces, real names, and real stories of impact,” he said.
On The Rotary Foundation, Owonikoko described it as the “engine that powers the Rotary wheel of impact,” noting that it recently raised over $417million to fund projects globally.
“When we give to The Rotary Foundation, we are not giving money away. We are investing in hope, dignity, and humanity,” he said.
He also emphasised membership growth, retention and engagement, arguing that belonging and recognition are critical to sustaining Rotary’s membership base.
“People stay where they are seen. People grow where they are valued,” he said, adding that each Rotarian could expand the organisation by inviting at least one new member.
Owonikoko further called for open and transparent communication among Rotary leaders and members.
“When communication flows, trust grows. When trust grows, collaboration strengthens. And when collaboration strengthens, impact multiplies,” he said.
He charged leaders to listen to members, share information freely and foster unity across clubs and district structures.
The District Governor-Elect also urged leaders to embrace bold leadership, innovation and service in order to “create lasting impact” during the 2026–2027 Rotary year.
