Rotarian Oyedapo Richard Idowu has been formally installed as the 38th President of the Rotary Club of Iyaganku-Ibadan for the 2026/2027 Rotary year, pledging to provide purposeful, accountable and impactful leadership.
The investiture, attended by past presidents, Rotary district officials, Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, traditional rulers, business leaders and other distinguished guests, marked the commencement of a new administration anchored on the Rotary International theme, “Create Lasting Impact.”
idowu in his acceptance speech expressed gratitude to God and members of the club for the confidence reposed in him, promising to lead with integrity, transparency, accountability and a genuine spirit of service.
He said his administration would focus on strengthening member engagement, growing membership, implementing impactful and sustainable community service projects, empowering young people through Rotary youth programmes, supporting The Rotary Foundation, and enhancing the club’s public image through purposeful visibility and strategic partnerships.
Idowu stressed that achieving the club’s aspirations could not rest on the president alone, urging members to participate actively and contribute their talents and resources to the success of the administration.
“As we formally celebrate this administration through today’s investiture, I reaffirm my unwavering commitment to providing leadership that is guided by Rotary’s ideals, responsive to the aspirations of our members, and focused on sustainable service,” he said.
He appealed to members for continued support, wise counsel, active participation and prayers, noting that the administration would strive to deliver services capable of creating measurable and lasting impact.
Speaking on behalf of the Investiture Committee, Rotarian Dhikrulahi Adewale Balogun described the ceremony as a celebration of the principles and ideals of Rotary, as well as a renewed call to service and commitment to humanity.
Balogun called for the support and cooperation of members and stakeholders, saying collective efforts would enable the club to achieve more and create lasting impact in the communities it serves.
In her keynote address, Dr Olamide Alao Akala, a serial entrepreneur, the CEO of UMèRA Farms, UMèRA Business School and Alàáfia Village, described leadership as both an honour and a responsibility, urging the new president to see his elevation as a call to produce meaningful results.
According to her, leadership must be measured by its impact, stressing that a true leader should constantly ask: “What can I give? Who will it impact? Is it sustainable? What legacy will it leave?”
She charged Idowu to pursue initiatives whose benefits would outlive his tenure and positively affect the lives of people in the communities.
The District Governor of District 9126, DG Olaniyi Amao Okin, was also among the dignitaries at the investiture.
The immediate past president of the club, Rotarian Olubunmi Oni, who served during the 2025/2026 Rotary year, expressed appreciation to members for their support in delivering meaningful services across Rotary’s areas of focus.
Oni highlighted some of the achievements of his administration to include disease prevention and awareness programmes, maternal and child healthcare initiatives, youth and adult empowerment through digital training, and tree-planting programmes aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.
He urged the new president to build on the foundation established by previous administrations, particularly in the areas of membership development and strengthening the club.
The new administration will be supported by a Board of Directors comprising the Immediate Past President, Rotarian Olubunmi Oni; Vice President, Rotarian Oluwatoyin Apata; Secretary, Rotarian Dhikrulahi Balogun; Rotarians Abiola Johnson and Iyaniwura Akinlua; and Club Service Director, Rotarian Adedeji Adeniyi.
Others are Vocational Service Director, Rotarian Fortune Oyeboenyin; Community Service Director, Rotarian Julius Olanrewaju Ejidale; International Service Director, Rotarian Olayinka Esan; and Rotarian Kikelomo Apemen, Sergeant-at-Arms.
The board is expected to work closely with the president to translate the administration’s vision into practical programmes and projects throughout the Rotary year.
Among the dignitaries at the event were His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeniji Abayomi Mathew Adeleye, the Oloje of Igasi Akoko Kingdom; Pharm. Aderemi Omotosho, CEO, Sunrise Mall; Mr Dimeji Adegbile; Engineer Sunday Morakinyo; and Prophet Olubusayo Adegbola, Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole alongside past presidents, vice presidents, past district governors and other guests.
The event also featured award presentation and donations.
