Rotary in Nigeria
Over six decades of service, fellowship, and community transformation across Nigeria
The Beginning
Rotary's journey in Nigeria began on April 28, 1961, when the first Rotary club was chartered in Kano, marking the 56th year of Rotary's global existence. This historic milestone came 40 years after the establishment of the first Rotary club in Africa (1921) and 22 years after West Africa's first club in Dakar, Senegal (1939).
Following Kano's pioneering lead, the Rotary Club of Lagos was chartered on May 30, 1961, and the Rotary Club of Ibadanfollowed on November 24, 1961. With these foundational clubs, Nigeria became the 32nd nation to embrace Rotary in Africa, setting the stage for decades of humanitarian service and community development.
First Three Clubs
Growth and District Formation
By 1973, Nigeria's Rotary presence had grown significantly, leading to its inclusion in Rotary International District 210, with Rotarian Francois Amorin of the Rotary Club of Cotonou, Benin Republic, serving as the first District Governor to oversee Nigerian clubs.
A pivotal moment came in 1972/73 when Nigeria produced her first District Governor,Rotarian Anofi Guobadia of the Rotary Club of Ikeja. The District was later renamed District 910, encompassing Rotarians from approximately 14 countries across West Africa during the period 1973 to 1981.
Nigeria's second District Governor, Rotarian John Babatunde Majiyagbe of the Rotary Club of Kano, took charge of the expanded district in 1980/81. His outstanding leadership and success encouraged Rotary International to consider redistricting, leading to the historic creation of Rotary District 911, comprising all clubs throughout Nigeria in the 1982-83 Rotary year.
District Evolution Timeline
Pioneering Leadership
The first District Governor of the newly created All Nigerian District 911 was Rotarian Past District Governor Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi (PDG Juli). During his transformative term in 1982-83, he demonstrated unprecedented commitment, traveling extensively across Nigeria and covering approximately 26,000 kilometers by air, land, and water to spread Rotary's message of service above self.
PDG Juli, supported by his motivated, committed, and well-coordinated team of District officers, created a new dawn for Rotary in Nigeria. Their efforts resulted in the establishment of 31 new clubs in a single year, representing remarkable growth that would reshape Rotary's presence across the nation.
Early District Governors
Growth Impact
Continued Growth & Modern Structure
The remarkable growth initiated by PDG Juli's leadership led to further redistricting. PDG Juli's success and the rapid expansion of Rotary clubs throughout Nigeria demonstrated the need for more focused district management and governance.
Following the redistricting, PDG Babs Ajayi became the third District Governor of District 911, which then comprised six strategic states and the Federal Capital Territory: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Kwara, Sokoto, and the FCT.
By 1985/86, PDG Bayo Adetunji served as the 4th District Governor before another significant redistricting exercise took place. By July 1986, Nigeria began the Rotary year with four districts: Districts 911, 912, 913, and 914 (later prefixed with '0').
The evolution continued with District 9125 being formed through the merger of Districts 9120 and 9130, covering the FCT and 23 out of Nigeria's 36 states. This district operated alongside Districts 9110, 9141, and 9142, creating a comprehensive network across the nation.
Most recently, Nigerian Rotary underwent another significant redistricting to better serve growing membership and improve district governance. New districts like 9126 and 9127 were carved out of the former District 9125, while Districts 9111 and 9112 were formed from the former District 9110. This redistricting reflects the continued vibrant growth and expanding impact of Rotary across Nigeria.
Rotary Nigeria Today
From its humble beginnings with just three clubs in 1961, Rotary in Nigeria has grown into a formidable force for positive change. Today, with over 160 clubs and more than3,000 active Rotarians across six districts, Nigerian Rotary continues to embody the organization's motto of "Service Above Self."
Nigerian Rotarians have consistently demonstrated leadership not just within their local communities, but also on the global stage. The country has produced numerous distinguished District Governors, Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinators, and has made significant contributions to Rotary International's global initiatives, including polio eradication, literacy programs, and humanitarian aid.
The legacy of pioneers like PDG Juli, who traveled 26,000 kilometers to spread Rotary's message, continues to inspire today's Rotarians as they tackle contemporary challenges across Nigeria's diverse communities, from urban centers to rural villages.
Current Rotary Districts in Nigeria
Note: Districts 9110 and 9125 were redistricted in recent years. The former District 9110 was split into Districts 9111 and 9112, while the former District 9125 was divided into Districts 9126 and 9127.
Legacy of Service
Over six decades since that first charter in Kano, Rotary in Nigeria has touched countless lives through education initiatives, healthcare programs, community development projects, and disaster relief efforts. The organization's commitment to developing local leaders, fostering international understanding, and addressing critical community needs continues to make Nigeria a vital part of Rotary's global mission.
From PDG Juli's pioneering 26,000-kilometer journey to today's digital-age service projects, Nigerian Rotary exemplifies the enduring power of fellowship, service, and the belief that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things when they work together for the greater good.