Ronke Soyombo’s keynote highlights education, child rights as Rtn. Esther George becomes RC Ajah’s president

Esther Ijeoma George becomes the first female president of Rotary Club of Ajah Golden, with a focus on children’s education and rights.

[dropcap]E[/dropcap]sther Ijeoma George made history as the first female president of the Rotary Club of Ajah Golden during an investiture ceremony held at Westwood Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, on 22 September 2024.

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The event, which also saw the induction of the club’s Board of Directors, was graced by Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Education, who delivered a keynote speech on the pivotal role of child development in societal progress.

Mrs. Soyombo praised Rotary’s commitment to “Service Above Self” and called on the organisation to focus on improving children’s welfare, particularly in education.

She emphasised that children are not only the future but the present, urging Rotary members to invest in their development through scholarships, after-school programmes, and other initiatives that bridge the gap in access to quality education for disadvantaged communities.

She noted that poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources still prevent many children from obtaining an education, making it crucial for organisations like Rotary to step in and make a difference.

The guest speaker also highlighted the importance of advocating for children’s rights, calling on members to help eliminate child labour, trafficking, and other forms of exploitation. She encouraged the creation of safe spaces for traumatised children, providing counselling and support to help them recover emotionally and psychologically.

In addition to education, Mrs. Soyombo stressed the need to equip children with life skills and vocational training, preparing them for adulthood and enabling them to break the cycle of poverty.

She noted that these programmes foster critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for children to succeed and become independent.

Mrs. Soyombo concluded by congratulating Rotarian Esther Ijeoma George and the new Board of Directors. She urged the club to build on its past achievements and work towards shaping a brighter future for society, especially by focusing on children’s development and well-being. She called on all Rotary members to unite in their efforts, emphasising that significant progress can only be made through cooperation and shared purpose.

Profile of Mrs. Ronke Soyombo

Ronke Soyombo, a renowned educationist and advocate, has over three decades of experience in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

She is an accomplished ICT professional, having been the first black Advanced Skill Teacher in the Lambeth Borough, London, where she contributed to the improvement of several underperforming schools.

Her expertise spans education quality assurance, budget management, and stakeholder engagement, particularly in primary and secondary education.

As the former Director General of Lagos State Education Quality Assurance and Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Education, Mrs. Soyombo led numerous educational reforms, including the launch of Ogun Digi Class during the COVID-19 pandemic and the digitisation of lesson plans.

She currently serves as the National Director of the APC Professionals Women Council, where she promotes women’s participation in politics, leadership, and economic empowerment.