Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Rotary Club of Umuahia, has unveiled plans to embark on multi-million Naira developmental projects in Abia State.
Rotarian Temitope Nnaomah, who announced this during her installation as the 44th President of Rotary Club of Umuahia, District 9142, said the gesture was in continuation of the Club’s community transformation agenda.
She identified the projects to include the renovation of the Newborn Incubation Centre at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, estimated to cost about N12 million; and the completion of a three-room block toilet at Ugwunchara Primary School in Umuahia metropolis to the tune of N2 million.
Others include the provision of solar-powered water borehole and 10-room block toilet facility at Awuja community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, estimated to cost N22 million.
Awuja, a sleepy, rural agrarian community without modern amenities, also grapples with poor access road.
Commercial motorcycles have remained the major means of transportation to the remote community through which the locals travel to neighbouring communities of Ozu Item and Uzuakoli, for medi-care.
The new President explained that Rotary Club of Umuahia decided to adopt the community for the intervention based on its assessment of the plights of the locals.
She, therefore, solicited the financial support of the members for the successful and timely execution of the identified projects.
“These projects are crucial, and with your financial support, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of our fellow citizen. I urge you all to donate generously to support our efforts, and to join us in making a lasting impact,” she appealed.
The new District President who acknowledged the enormity of the task before her, promised to render selfless service.
“Today, I stand before you as the 44th President of the Rotary Club of Umuahia, humbled and grateful for the confidence reposed in me to provide leadership during this Rotary year (2024 – 2025).
“Our club has a rich legacy of service, and I am committed to building on that foundation,” the President assured.
Handing over the insignia of office of the Cub’s President to his successor during his valedictory speech, the 2023/2024 President, Rotarian Irem Okafor Kalu, expressed confidence that Mrs. Nnaomah has all that it would take her to succeed.
Chairman of the occasion, Ucheoma Amaechi, of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt – Airfield, said that Rotary is a service-oriented organisation striving to create a better society and appealed for support for the new President and her Board of Directors to enable them to succeed.
The Installation Chairman, Rotarian Ugochukwu Ajawara, described President Temitope Nnaomah as an experienced, passionate and visionary Rotarian who has the capacity to move the Club to higher heights.
In his keynote speech, Abia Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, advocated servant leadership attitude among those in positions of authority.
The Deputy Governor who spoke on the theme: “The Power of Service in Leadership,” noted that adoption of this leadership approach would help leaders to prioritise the needs of others.
According to him, “The power of service in leadership is about prioritising the needs of others and fostering a culture of empathy, collaboration, and mutual support.
“Servant leaders focus on empowering their teams, building strong relationships, and creating an environment where everyone can grow and thrive.”
The Deputy Governor, represented by Engr Ernest Otuonye, listed some advantages of prioritising service, including empowering others, building trust; driving collaboration; fostering a sense of purpose and cultivating the habit of willingness to learn.
