BY RITA OYIBOKA
The Rotary Club of Asaba Downtown, District 9141, has inaugurated its fifth president, Rotarian Raymond Onwugbenu, for the 2024/2025 Rotary Year.
The event attracted distinguished gathering of Rotarians, guests, and dignitaries, all celebrating the beginning of a new chapter for the club.
In his valedictory speech at the occasion, the outgoing President, Rotarian Nnamdi Honnah, reflected on his tenure as the club’s 4th president. He expressed appreciation to all Rotarians and leaders for their support throughout his tenure. “During this period, we surpassed our goals and launched our first friendship exchange program with the Rotary Club of Warri from District 9142,” he said.
He further highlighted some of the club’s key achievements, which included several impactful projects such as a peacebuilding and conflict prevention seminar in five secondary schools in Asaba, vocational service initiatives, and environmental protection efforts among others. As the club transitions into the 2024/2025 Rotary year, Honnah expressed confidence in the continued success of the club. “I do not doubt that we will surpass all the records and goals we have set,” he added.
Earlier at the event, the Chairman of the Installation Committee, and Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Daniel Odigie, commended the committee for their hard work.
He congratulated the newly inaugurated president, wishing him and his leadership team a successful tenure.
In his inaugural speech, Rotarian Raymond Onwugbenu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as president for the 2024/2025 Rotary year, saying, “It is with great honour and humility that I stand before you today as the 5th President of the Rotary Club of Asaba Downtown. I am deeply grateful for the faith you have shown in me to lead this esteemed club for the upcoming Rotary year.”
Onwugbenu paid tribute to the past leadership of the club, recognizing their remarkable leadership and dedication over the years. He highlighted the Rotary year’s theme, “The Magic of Rotary,” and outlined his vision for the year ahead, focusing on community-centered projects that would make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
He called on fellow Rotarians to embrace the magic of Rotary and remain committed to the principle of “Service Above Self” expressing confidence that, through collective efforts, the 2024/2025 Rotary year would be one of the club’s most impactful and memorable yet. The event also featured the induction of new members, the launch of new service projects, the presentation of awards to outstanding Rotarians, and the inauguration of the 2024/2025 board of directors.
