THE DISTRICT ROTARACT REPRESENTATIVE’S SEPTEMBER ADDRESS

SEPTEMBER – BASIC EDUCATION AND LITERACY MONTH

Dearest Rotaractors and Friends,

Every new month gives us the chance to pause, look back, and remind ourselves why we do what we do. August was nothing short of remarkable—not because everything was perfect, but because, together, we showed up.

Now, September is here. It is Basic Education and Literacy Month—a time that asks us: How do we leave the world better for the children who will inherit it? Books may seem small, and classrooms may look ordinary, but they hold the power to change destinies.

HIGHLIGHT OF AUGUST

• The Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) was held from August 3rd to 10th at Sea School, Apapa. On August 8th, our district hosted “Rylarians Day with Rotaractors”—an engaging and fun-filled fellowship with the participants. We hope many of them will find reasons to continue their leadership journey within the Rotary family.
• On August 9th, we held our District Membership Seminar with Rtn. Jacqueline Risdale as the lead speaker and DG Ann Sutclife as our guest speaker. On the same day, Rotaractors of District 9112 joined our twin district, Rotaract District 9111, at their investiture in Ikeja.
• Regal Echelon Investiture—my official investiture as District Rotaract Representative—was held on August 16th at Martinos Events Centre. It was not just a ceremonial gathering but also a fundraising effort to support our proposed projects for the Rotary year. I remain deeply grateful to the dignitaries, Rotarians, and Rotaractors who honored the day with their presence.
• On August 17th, I was warmly hosted by the Rotaract Club of Gbagada during my official visit to the club.
• ⁠On August 22nd, we received a generous donation of an air conditioner for the District Office from our Patron of the Year, Rtn. Richard Edi, MD.
• On August 23rd, Rotaractors of District 9112 attended the investiture of Rotaract District 9126 in Osogbo, Osun State.
• On August 27th, we participated as a district at the NR-MDIO inaugural DEI webinar, which was proudly anchored by our own PP Desile Femi from the Rotaract Club of Kingfarm.
• On August 29th, we proudly celebrated with Rotaractors and Rotarians across districts to honor our own Rtn. Yinka Babalola on his selection as Rotary International President-Elect—a proud moment for Nigeria and Africa.

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION AND MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

Our commitment to the Rotary Foundation must remain steady, because it is the engine that powers the global impact we are privileged to be part of. In August, we contributed $160.1 to the Foundation—every contribution, no matter the amount, is a step toward a world where hope is real and change is lasting.

Membership also saw a bright boost, as we inducted 15 new members into the Rotaract fold this month, with the Rotaract Club of Mushin Golden leading by numbers. Let us not only celebrate these additions but also ensure sustainability. I encourage all clubs to report their newly inducted members in RI—this is the official channel for capturing their registration and giving them access to My Rotary resources.

Remember, membership retention begins with engagement—when every Rotaractor feels valued, heard, and given room to lead. Let us focus not only on bringing people in but also on keeping their hearts in Rotaract.

OUR SEPTEMBER IN BRIEF

• RotaTech Training Registration opens on September 1st. Slots are limited, so I encourage every Rotaractor to seize this opportunity to build capacity.
• World Clean-Up Day is held on September 16th. I look forward to seeing the impactful projects our clubs will execute in their communities.
• The Annual Great Trek takes place on September 19th and 20th in Mushin, Lagos. This is a chance for us to promote peace, unity, and goodwill through visibility.
• Basic Education and Literacy Projects will be executed on September 25th at National Primary School, Abule Oja, Lagos, and on September 26th at Wesley Nursery and Primary School, Ilisan Remo. These initiatives embody our district’s commitment to nurturing young minds and strengthening literacy.
• On September 27th, we shall be hosting a Peace and Conflict Resolution Webinar in partnership with Rotaract clubs within and outside our district. I encourage all Rotaractors to participate and join in meaningful dialogue for peacebuilding.
• Ongoing DRR visits continue this month with the Rotaract Clubs of Gbagada South, Lagos Metropolitan, Ikorodu Golden, and Ikate.

Dear friends, service is never easy. It asks us for time, for energy, and for resources. Sometimes it even asks us to give when we feel we have little left. But service also gives back—in smiles, in purpose, and in the quiet assurance that what we do matters.

Let us continue to build, serve, and lead—together.

With gratitude,
Your DRR
ATITEBI Ismail Abiodun PHF
Rotaract District 9112, 2025/2026