What do I gain by joining Rotary? Trustee Ijeoma Okoro reveals the purpose, power, and personal impact of Rotary service across Africa and beyond
What do I gain by joining Rotary? This seemingly simple question has transformed lives and continues to inspire thousands. For Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, the answer is far more profound than most realise.
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In a deeply human and powerful interview with ARPIC Ehi Braimah, Okoro peels back the layers of Rotary’s true essence; service, sacrifice, and sustainability.
From her pivotal role at The Rotary Foundation to her advocacy for giving in local currencies despite harsh exchange rates, she redefines Rotary as more than just a club. It’s a purpose.
“You gain the presence of God, the guidance of God, and the blessings of service,” she says, calmly yet firmly.
Her journey is a story of intentionality.
As one of Rotary’s Trustees, she has witnessed how awareness drives giving across Africa, how local grants build legacy projects, and how clubs like those in Uganda and Kenya demystify the once-feared grant process.
And when she asks fellow Rotarians to stop converting Naira to dollars before giving, her logic is sharp but heartfelt: “If you keep converting, you’ll never give.”
Some club presidents just want boreholes with their names on them. That’s not Rotary.
Rotary’s Program of Scale isn’t a handout; it’s a testament to rigorous effort.
Africa’s back-to-back wins in Nigeria, Zambia, and Egypt weren’t based on sympathy, but on merit. Clubs with vision, discipline, and structure earned those global grants.
Yet, Okoro doesn’t shy away from the hard truths.
Many African clubs remain inactive in grant applications due to myths, fear, and lack of leadership.
“Some club presidents just want boreholes with their names on them. That’s not Rotary,” she adds.
Rotary, she explains, is not a shortcut to visas, contracts, or business connections. It’s not a social club. It’s a platform for giving your time, talent, and treasure; without seeking applause.
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Her message to anyone asking, what do I gain by joining Rotary? is simple:
You gain the rare privilege to serve, to lead without title, and to leave behind a legacy that lives long after you do.
Note: Read her full insightful interview in the August edition of Africa Zone 22 Region 27 Magazine.
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.
