Rotarian Winifred Ebiye was formally invested as the Charter President of the Rotary Club of Bourdillon Prestige on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Naval Dockyard, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, at a ceremony attended by prominent traditional rulers, public figures, Rotarians and community leaders.
The investiture also featured the induction of the club’s Board of Directors and a fundraising gala, marking a significant milestone in the establishment of the new Rotary club and its commitment to service.
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The event attracted the presence of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Chief Tunde Fanimokun, known as Agba Akin, and His Highness (Dr) Ephraim Faloughi, who served as royal fathers of the occasion.
Former Foreign Minister, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd.), attended as Special Guest of Honour alongside his wife, Mrs Gwendolyn Nwachukwu.
Other notable guests included the Superintendent of Naval Dockyard Limited, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, President of the Rotary Club of Ikoyi, Christopher Ehigoie, Chairman of the Advisory Board, Rotarian (Dr) Bala Yesufu, and General Manager of Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Umakant Upadhyay.
The ceremony was marked by the formal decoration of Ebiye as Charter President, with members and guests witnessing the presentation of the presidential insignia and other ceremonial activities.
The new Rotary president was also joined by her children for photographs with Dr Faloughi, adding a personal touch to an otherwise formal occasion.
A special moment came when Rotarian Bala Yesufu presented a gift to the Ooni of Ife on behalf of the club. The presentation underscored the significance attached to the presence of the traditional ruler at the ceremony.
The event also brought together women leaders within Rotary, including the Chairman of Women in Rotary, Rotarian Labo Johnson, who joined other female Rotarians at the gathering.
Past District Governor Somo Omoniyi, representing former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was also present alongside Olalekan Makinde, Chief Executive Officer of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation.
The investiture was not only a ceremonial occasion but also an opportunity for the club to articulate its service-oriented objectives and strengthen relationships among Rotarians, community stakeholders and supporters.
The fundraising gala formed part of the programme, providing an avenue for members and guests to support the club’s planned activities and community-focused initiatives.
Ebiye’s emergence as the inaugural president places her at the forefront of shaping the identity, priorities and service programmes of the Rotary Club of Bourdillon Prestige as the organisation begins its activities.
The gathering ended on a celebratory note, with photographs capturing Ebiye alongside dignitaries, family members, Rotarians and other guests who witnessed the historic investiture.
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The occasion represented a new chapter for Ebiye and the Rotary Club of Bourdillon Prestige, with the club now poised to translate the goodwill surrounding its launch into sustained service and community impact.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
