Asiwaju Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole urged Nigerians to embrace selfless giving at Rotary Foundation’s 120th anniversary celebration in Lagos

[dropcap]F[/dropcap]ormer Lagos commissioner and Colenson Group founder, Asiwaju Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, urged Nigerians to impact the world through selfless giving.

Also read: Rotary Foundation pledges continued support for transformative projects in Nigeria

He made this call during his opening remarks at the Rotary Foundation Dinner & Dance, organised by District 9112 to celebrate Rotary International’s 120th anniversary.

Speaking at the Civic Centre, Lagos, on 23 February 2025, Olawale-Cole praised Rotary for its global humanitarian efforts, describing the organisation as a beacon of hope, kindness, and compassion. He highlighted how Rotary has touched millions of lives worldwide through its impactful initiatives.

District Governor and Afem Publishers MD, Rtn. Olufemi Adenekan, expressed gratitude to donors and outlined Rotary Foundation’s achievements since its establishment in 1917.

He emphasised how the foundation has transformed communities through various humanitarian projects.

PP Omotunde Olaleye, chairman of the event’s planning committee, urged guests to continue supporting Rotary’s core focus areas: promoting peace, fighting diseases, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, and enhancing education.

“Your contributions help us empower communities, foster global understanding, improve health outcomes, and create educational opportunities,” he stated.

Themed Rotary Foundation: The Heart of Giving, the event featured entertainment, cultural performances, and networking opportunities.

A major highlight of the night was the prestigious humanitarian awards, honouring notable Nigerians for their philanthropic contributions.

Awardees included Asiwaju Olawale-Cole, Olori Amb. (Dr.) Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, Elder Urum Kalu Eke, Anthony & Pharm. Silvia Onwuere, and Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, chairman of SIFAX Group.

Others honoured included former Guinness Nigeria MD and Algorithm Media CEO Seni Adetu, Chief (Mrs.) Maria Phillips, Basorun Peter Ogunbayo, Dr. Augustine Onwumere, and Michael Ikenga, CEO of ITStack Limited.

Rotary Foundation, established in 1917 with an initial donation of $26.50 by the Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri, has grown into one of the world’s largest and most respected humanitarian organisations.

Also read: The Rotary Foundation Trustees chair, Maloney, and spouse to visit Nigeria

Its mission remains to advance goodwill, peace, and global development through impactful service projects.

Rtn. Victor Ojelabi

Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.