…New District Governor, Prof. Au Nnonyelu Embarks On Multimillion Naira Projects
By Uzo Ugwunze
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has extended a hand of fellowship to Rotary International District 9142, under his administration’s Public-Private-Community-Partnership, PPCP model, emphasizing that they have the collective responsibility for the development of the state and the country at large.
Speaking at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Awka during the installation of Professor Nkemdili Nnonyelu as the eighth District Governor of the Rotary International, District 9142, Governor Soludo who congratulated the new Rotary governor, stressed that what Rotary does speaks to the heart of what his administration is already doing in Anambra State.
The Governor of Akwa-Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno represented by his Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, commended the Rotary International for inspiring value, change and love for the society and its people.
The keynote speaker, former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, noted Nigeria’s challenges are not due to a lack of resources but rather a severe leadership deficit.
“Despite Nigeria’s wealth of resources, the country’s global standing has declined, primarily due to poor governance. There is need for transformational leadership to address these issues and steer Nigeria towards a more prosperous future. There is a worrying decline in Nigeria’s economic trajectory. In 1998, Nigeria’s economy grew at less than 3%, improving to over 5% in 2019. However, the country’s per capita income has plummeted from $3,200 in 2014 to $1,087 today. This economic downturn has resulted in Nigeria having the highest number of homeless people globally, with over 130 million Nigerians living below the poverty line, a figure that has worsened significantly over the past eight years.”
Obi, attributed these dire conditions to a legacy of poor leadership lacking in ethical, visionary, competent, and compassionate qualities. Obi warned of long-term consequences, such as the heavy burden of debt repayments starting in 2040, which will fall on future generations.He criticized the government’s mismanagement, citing examples like overpriced contracts and a growing list of abandoned projects. He also highlighted the rampant theft of Nigeria’s oil resources, drawing attention to the challenges faced by businesses like Dangote’s, with over 70% of Nigeria’s oil already mortgaged.
Earlier, the newly installed District Governor, Rtn. Nnonyelu, a professor in the Sociology and Anthropology department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, appreciated Governor Soludo for his efforts in turning Anambra State around and revamping the city of Awka and reiterated his attachment to the ideals of Rotary, expressing optimism that with support, they will do well.
Nnonyelu, outlined Rotary’s seven areas of focus for the year, which include Peace and conflict resolution, Disease prevention and Treatment, water and sanitation, basic education and Literacy, Economic and community development, and maternal and child health and Improvement of the environment.
He emphasized Rotary’s commitment to these causes, highlighting the organization’s values of fellowship, integrity, diversity, service, and leadership.
“Across the 7 states, to stop open defecation we shall embark on construction of toilet facilities and drilling of water boreholes in 14 public primary schools at the cost of 70 million naira and 42 million respectively. Our Dust to Desk program shall seek provision of classroom desk& chairs for pupils receiving lessons sitting on bare floor at the cost of 17 million naira.
“Other programs include sponsoring Spelling Bee competition for primary school pupils and Payment of WASSCE fees for indigent secondary school students.
“Widows Empowerment scheme for 350 vulnerable widows; maternal and child health programs for expectant, nursing mothers and infants; Mental health assistance ,prostrate and breast cancer screening, providing treated mosquito nets and insecticides against malaria; Intensification of polio eradication advocacy. These multi million naira projects are to be done by Rotarians and Friends of Rotary,” said Prof Nonyelu.
In his valedictory speech, the outgoing District Governor, Akan Ema revealed that under his administration, Rotary kept faith with it’s tenet of adding value to the society and appreciated all that supported them.
Meanwhile, once shrouded in a cloud of mystery, Rotary International has been a subject of speculation, with whispers of it being a secret cult synonymous with power and secrecy. However, Rotarian Tochi Amalu, the District Public Image Chairman while briefing journalists at the occasion, dispelled these misconceptions, shedding light on the true essence of Rotary’s mission.
“Rotary is not a secret cult. The belief that Rotary is a secret cult is a product of misinformation and hearsay. It is imperative for society to understand that Rotary is an international service organization committed to making a positive difference in the world.”
Amidst the intrigue surrounding Rotary’s activities, Amalu explains that the organization’s core values revolve around fostering peace, goodwill, and better communities. With an altruistic approach, Rotary dedicates its efforts to humanitarian causes, such as eradicating polio, providing clean drinking water, supporting education, and promoting sustainable development.
“We will embark on dust- to-desk project, meaning that we want to ensure that primary and secondary schools in the seven states (Anambra, Enugu, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom) in our District, start sitting on chairs instead of bare floor. We are also embarking on providing toilet facilities like drilling of water boreholes for some schools in the District, and we will also give stipends to indigent widows in the society. We hold open meetings, public projects, and have ongoing partnerships with renowned institutions. These partnerships have solidified Rotary’s credibility, providing visibility and validation from trusted entities.
“We aim to dismantle the false narratives surrounding Rotary by showcasing the tangible results of our projects, by sharing success stories, we can effectively bridge the gap between Rotary and society. Through engaging community events, volunteer efforts, and collaborative initiatives, Rotary members seek to establish meaningful connections. By involving the public in their endeavors, Rotary aims to foster a more compassionate and inclusive society. Our purpose is to bring about positive change, create lasting friendships, and inspire others to join us on this journey.”
Amalu who also lauded the new District Governor said, Prof. Nnonyelu will impact lives and create change that will make Rotary irresistible in the entire seven states he governs.
Moreso, the 41st President Rotary in Awka, Dr. Nwabufo Nwankwo described the newly installed 8th District Governor, Rotary International District 9142, for year 2024/2025, Rtn. Au. Nkemdili Nnonyelu as a round peg in a round hole saying that they have implicit confidence in him to lead the District to enviable heights having gathered experience from handling several leadership positions both within and outside Rotary International.
