Obasanjo, Adedoyin and others urge stronger leadership at Rotary conference

Sunday Okobi

Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, District Governor of Rotary International District 9112 for the 2025‑2026 Rotary Year Lanre Adedoyin, the global President of the club, and other prominent local and international figures will use this year’s Rotary conference to advocate for higher service, stronger leadership, greater impact, deeper partnerships and sustainable community transformation in Nigeria and worldwide.

Speaking to journalists yesterday at a press briefing in Lagos that launched the Rotary Conference, Adedoyin announced that President Obasanjo will deliver the keynote address as the chief guest speaker.

He added that the eagerly awaited Elevate Discon 2026, the annual District Conference of Rotary International District 9112, is set for 14‑17 May 2026 at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The district governor explained that this year’s conference carries the theme “Elevate,” which he described as “a call to higher service, stronger leadership, greater impact, deeper partnerships, and sustainable community transformation. It reflects our collective resolve as Rotarians to rise above limitations and elevate humanity through purposeful service.”

“Elevate Discon 2026 promises to be one of the most impactful and transformational district conferences ever organised within our District. The conference will bring together distinguished leaders from different sectors, including government, business, academia, diplomacy, civil society, traditional institutions, and the international Rotary family,” he said.

“We are particularly honoured that the conference will be held within the iconic and globally respected Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, a symbol of leadership, statesmanship, history, and national development. The choice of venue aligns perfectly with the conference’s focus on leadership, governance, peace‑building, and nation‑building.”

Adedoyin noted that a major highlight of the event will be keynote engagements and strategic conversations centred on leadership and sustainable development.

According to him, “The conference will also feature: humanitarian and developmental discussions; youth empowerment initiatives; economic and investment conversations; public health and education interventions; recognition of outstanding service personalities; cultural and fellowship activities; and networking and partnership opportunities for sustainable impact.”

“As Rotarians, we remain committed to our core areas of focus, which include: peace‑building and conflict prevention/resolution; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; community and economic development; and environmental sustainability. Through these focus areas, Rotary continues to touch lives positively across communities in Lagos and Ogun States and beyond,” he said.

He emphasized that the conference will not merely be a gathering of Rotarians; “it is a platform for ideas, collaborations, solutions, and actions that can help shape a better society. It is an avenue to inspire hope, strengthen institutions, and mobilise collective responsibility toward national progress.”

“I therefore use this opportunity to call on corporate organisations, government institutions, development partners, philanthropists, and public‑spirited individuals to partner us in making Elevate Discon 2026 a huge success. Their support will not only enhance the conference experience but also strengthen Rotary’s humanitarian interventions within our communities.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the District Conference Committee, Segun Adewakun, said that on behalf of the Planning Committee and the district’s leadership, the club welcomes partnerships that project impactful stories promoting service, leadership, peace, goodwill and community development.

He stressed that Elevate Discon 2026 is more than a routine conference; it is a gathering of influence, service, leadership and inspiration.

“This conference is expected to attract hundreds of Rotarians, distinguished guests, professionals, captains of industry, diplomats, traditional rulers, government officials, policymakers and community leaders from across Nigeria and beyond,” he noted.

“We are particularly excited that the conference will host several eminent personalities, including the representative of the President of Rotary International, highly respected past district governors, notable business leaders, distinguished public office holders and globally respected thought leaders who will engage participants on issues surrounding leadership, governance, nation‑building, economic development, humanitarian service and sustainable partnerships,” he added.

Adewakun observed that selecting the prestigious Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library as the venue underscores the magnitude, prestige and significance of the conference. “It is a fitting location for a gathering designed to inspire transformational leadership and elevate service to humanity.”

“As the chairman of Elevate Discon 2026, I can confidently state that enormous resources, planning, logistics and coordination have gone into preparing for what promises to be one of the most remarkable district conferences in the history of Rotary International District 9112,” he said.

“Beyond fellowship and networking, this conference will showcase Rotary’s immense contributions to humanity through impactful projects in healthcare, education, youth empowerment, economic development, peace‑building, maternal and child health, water and sanitation, as well as environmental sustainability,” he concluded.