Tony Eigbokhan reveals how organisation, communication and stronger systems support District 9112 and District Governor Layi Abidoye
Behind every successful Rotary district is a team of dedicated leaders working quietly behind the scenes to ensure that plans become action and vision becomes reality. One of those key figures is Past Assistant Governor (PAG) Tony Eigbokhan, the District Executive Secretary to District Governor Rtn. Layi Abidoye.
In this edition of Meet the Core Team, he speaks with D9112Monthly Editor, Rtn. Victor Ojelabi, about the demands of the office, the systems driving the district’s administration, and why organisation remains the backbone of effective Rotary leadership.
From coordinating the District Governor’s schedule to ensuring seamless communication with clubs, Eigbokhan offers a glimpse into one of the district’s most demanding yet least visible roles.
The district’s organisational backbone
For Eigbokhan, the office of District Executive Secretary is far more than an administrative appointment.
As the district’s Chief Administrative Officer, he oversees official correspondence, maintains district records, coordinates meetings and leadership events, manages the Governor’s itinerary, monitors compliance with Rotary policies and serves as secretary to several key district committees.
“In essence,” he says, “my responsibility is to provide the organisational backbone that enables the District Governor and the leadership team to concentrate on advancing Rotary’s mission.”
A Rotary journey shaped by service
Eigbokhan’s Rotary story began long before he became a district leader.
His first encounter with Rotary was as a Rotaractor at the University of Lagos. Although his interest was sparked years later while attending his elder brother’s Rotary presidential installation, it was the persistence of PAG Wunmi Agbaje that eventually brought him to the Rotary Club of Victoria Garden City in March 2012.
What was intended to be a routine club visit turned into an unexpected induction during the official visit of then District Governor Kennedy Ejakpomwhe.
Since then, he has served as Club Treasurer, Club President, Assistant Governor, DISCON Chairman and member of several district committees before assuming his current role as District Executive Secretary.
“My passion for Rotary and service to humanity has continued to grow,” he reflects.
“The job is a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week assignment, and I am expected to be on top of my game at all times.”
A role that never sleeps
If there is one challenge that defines the office, it is time.
Eigbokhan describes the assignment as a 24-hour responsibility that demands constant attention, organisational discipline and emotional maturity.
“It is a multifunctional role,” he explains. “You must give adequate attention to several responsibilities simultaneously while remaining available whenever the need arises.”
Building stronger systems
One of his priorities since assuming office has been strengthening the district’s operational systems.
Among the initiatives already introduced are biometric attendance for district staff, improved inventory management for operational supplies, and plans to install calibrated diesel monitoring systems, CCTV surveillance and solar-powered security lighting to improve efficiency, accountability and security at the District Office.
Rather than reinventing existing structures, he believes in identifying areas for improvement and building systems that deliver greater value.
Keeping communication flowing
Communication, he believes, is one of the district’s greatest strengths.
With dedicated WhatsApp platforms for presidents, assistant governors, committee chairpersons and district leaders, alongside email distribution lists, club mailboxes and direct telephone contact, the district has created multiple communication channels designed to ensure that information reaches the right people promptly.
These layered systems, he notes, make it difficult for important information to fall through the cracks.
Leadership by trust and empowerment
Having worked closely with District Governor Layi Abidoye, Eigbokhan speaks warmly about the Governor’s leadership style.
He describes him as humble, proactive and deeply respectful of people, with a leadership philosophy built on delegation, empowerment and accountability.
“He trusts people to deliver,” Eigbokhan says. “He sets clear goals, provides the resources required and recognises achievement.”
He also smiles while revealing a lighter side of the Governor.
“Although he eats very little himself, he always makes sure those around him never go hungry.”
What makes successful clubs?
Having accompanied the Governor on numerous club visits, Eigbokhan has observed clear patterns among the district’s highest-performing clubs.
The first, he says, is quality membership.
Clubs with larger numbers of committed members tend to execute stronger projects, enjoy better fellowship and make greater contributions to The Rotary Foundation.
The second factor is leadership.
“Good leaders unite members, inspire participation and create an environment where everyone feels valued,” he explains.
According to him, those two ingredients consistently distinguish thriving clubs from struggling ones.
Never forgetting home
Despite his demanding district responsibilities, Eigbokhan remains deeply connected to the Rotary Club of Victoria Garden City.
He actively follows club activities through its communication platforms, stays in regular contact with club leaders, supports the club financially and participates in meetings whenever his schedule permits.
“Every district leader must remember that we are club members first,” he says. “After our district assignments, it is to our clubs that we return.”
Advice to club secretaries
As the district’s chief administrator, Eigbokhan has a simple but powerful message for club secretaries.
Be proactive. Maintain accurate records. Respect deadlines. Master Rotary’s digital platforms. Support your president. Protect institutional memory. Continue learning and always remember that administration is itself an act of service.
“Administration is not merely paperwork,” he says. “Every report submitted, every record maintained and every meeting organised contributes to Rotary’s mission of creating lasting impact.”
It is a philosophy that perfectly reflects his own approach to leadership—quiet, organised and unwaveringly committed to ensuring that Rotary’s work continues efficiently behind the scenes.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
