OCTOBER – ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MONTH

OCTOBER – ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MONTH

Dear Partners in Service,

Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!

From all of us at Rotaract District 9112, we celebrate the enduring spirit of freedom, resilience, and unity that defines our nation. Today, we honour the sacrifices of our heroes and remind ourselves of our shared duty: to build a Nigeria of peace, progress, and opportunities for every citizen.

Each month in Rotary carries a unique theme, but October strikes at the very foundation of human dignity—the right of every individual not just to survive, but to thrive. Economic and Community Development Month calls us to think beyond temporary charity and embrace projects that leave a lasting impact. Every initiative that uplifts a market woman, empowers a young person, or revitalizes a community is more than service—it is an investment in a better tomorrow.

SEPTEMBER RECAP

Here’s a look at how we lived out service last month:

• September 2: Rotaract Districts 9112 and 9111 paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Youth Council Chairman, Engr. Adigun Ibrahim. The visit reaffirms our belief that young people must have a voice in shaping policies for their future.

• ⁠September 4: The Rota-Summer Bootcamp wrapped up with a lively closing ceremony, celebrating five weeks of skills, growth, and renewed purpose.

• ⁠September 10: Rotaractors participated in the Rotary Polio Plus Seminar, strengthening our commitment to ending polio. That same day, District 9112 hosted Rotarians and Rotaractors from District 9103, showcasing the power of connection and collaboration across borders.

• ⁠September 18: We joined the Lagos Rising Mega Cleanup in Mushin, marking World Cleanup Day 2025 with Next Generation Sustainable Initiative.

• ⁠September 19–20: The Annual Great Trek brought hope and visibility to the streets of Mushin under the theme “Unite for Peace: Hope on Every Street.”

• ⁠September 25–26: In partnership with the Elsiential Foundation and several clubs, we supported schools in Lagos and Ogun States with whiteboards, stationery, and essential learning tools, advancing our Basic Education and Literacy goals.

• ⁠September 27: Our Peace and Conflict Prevention Webinar with Rtn. Dr. Adedoyin Ogunyemi and Rtr. Khalilat Ibrahim sparked vital conversations on resolving tension with empathy over force.

• ⁠September 30: We ended the month with a medical outreach at Mushin Market in partnership with NYSC, Menitos Charity Foundation, Healthysphere, Lagos West Diocese, and others, bringing healthcare to where it’s needed most.

• ⁠Throughout September: DRR visits continued at the Rotaract Clubs of Gbagada South, Mushin Golden, Lagos Metropolitan, Ikorodu Golden, and Ikate.

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION & MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

Our impact is powered by The Rotary Foundation (TRF). Every contribution, big or small, signals belief. Belief in a fairer, safer, and more just world.

In September, District 9112 contributed $525 to TRF, led by the *Rotaract Club of Gbagada South. Each dollar is a seed of hope for sustainable change.

On membership, we celebrate growth:

•Rotaract Clubs of Surulere South and Ikorodu Golden each welcomed two new members. But remember, growth without engagement is noise. Growth with intention is movement. Let’s not only induct new members but also mentor them, guide them, and give them a reason to stay.

To all Club Presidents: please ensure every induction is promptly reported. This isn’t just about records—it’s about celebrating progress, tracking impact, and connecting new members to the wider Rotaract family.

OCTOBER IN BRIEF 

Here’s what’s ahead this month:

• October 2: RotaTech Training begins. I encourage every registered Rotaractor to participate fully and build digital skills for impact.

• ⁠October 10: Rotary District Train Ride for Polio Eradication. Please join us in advocacy and action.

• ⁠October 11: District Membership Seminar—an opportunity not just to grow our numbers, but to reimagine engagement, retention, and belonging.

• ⁠October 17: Graduation and empowerment of our Rota-Summer Bootcamp participants with start-up kits.

• ⁠October 24: World Polio Day—another moment to amplify our voices and reaffirm our commitment to ending polio.

• ⁠October: DRR visits continue with the Rotaract Clubs of FCMFT, Mushin, LASUED Epe, OOU, and Ijebu Ode.

Colleagues, October reminds us that true change begins with economic empowerment. Let us support small businesses, mentor the unemployed, and initiate projects that unlock hidden potential.

The work ahead may be daunting, but we are never alone. We are a movement united by service, guided by purpose, and driven by the belief that better is always possible.

Let’s continue to build, serve, and lead together.

With gratitude,