The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has appealed for expanded collaboration between the Federal Government and Rotary International across healthcare, education, youth empowerment and community development, describing the humanitarian organisation as an important partner in driving Nigeria’s human development objectives.

The President appealed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, during the Presidential Inaugural Dinner held in Abuja to honour Rotary International President Olayinka Hakeem Babalola. Babalola officially assumed office on July 1, becoming only the second African to lead the 121-year-old global organisation.

Congratulating Babalola on his emergence, Tinubu described the achievement as a landmark for both Nigeria and the African continent.

“His emergence as only the second African to lead Rotary International is a proud moment for Nigeria and for our continent. This is not merely a personal distinction. It is a national statement that shows that Nigeria continues to produce men and women of competence and character, whose leadership commands global respect,” Tinubu said.

According to the President, Rotary International’s guiding principles of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity and leadership closely reflect the priorities outlined in his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on education, healthcare, social investment, youth development, job creation and efficient public service delivery.

Tinubu observed that both Rotary International and the Federal Government pursue similar objectives, including promoting peace, combating disease, increasing access to clean water and sanitation, expanding educational opportunities, improving maternal and child healthcare, strengthening local economies and protecting the environment.

He further praised Rotary’s longstanding contribution to eliminating wild poliovirus in Nigeria and across Africa, describing its involvement in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative as one of the finest examples of global cooperation in public health.

“Government alone cannot do the work of national transformation,” he said. “I therefore use this occasion to invite Rotary in Nigeria, and the global Rotary family under President Babalola’s leadership, to deepen partnership with the Federal Government in key human development sectors.”

The President encouraged Rotary to intensify collaboration with government institutions in primary healthcare, maternal and child health, basic education, literacy programmes, youth skills development and enterprise initiatives, noting that such cooperation would generate sustainable and measurable outcomes.

“If we align Rotary’s culture of community service with the Federal Government’s policy direction under Renewed Hope, we can create results that are measurable, local, and lasting. We can deliver hope not as a slogan, but as a lived reality,” the President added.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also hailed Babalola’s appointment, describing it as a defining achievement for Nigeria and Africa. He noted that Babalola is only the second African to occupy Rotary International’s highest office, following the late Jonathan Majiyagbe, who served in 2003.

Speaking on the significance of the milestone, Obasanjo said the continent was receiving global recognition for leadership, integrity and service.

“Africa is watching. Nigeria is watching. History is watching. And we are proud,” he said.

Obasanjo advised the new Rotary International President to anchor his administration on Rotary’s Four-Way Test of truth, fairness, goodwill and benefit to all, stressing that those principles remain essential in a world challenged by increasing division and weakening confidence in institutions.

“If you lead Rotary with this Test at the centre, you will not just preside over Rotary. You will reposition Rotary for the next century, and you will do it from the world stage,” Obasanjo said.

He further challenged Babalola to strengthen the Rotary Foundation, expand opportunities for Rotarians and Rotaractors, and demonstrate leadership rooted in conscience and ethical values.

“You now walk through that door. Do not just follow the path. Widen it, so that the third African, the fourth, will come faster than 22 years,” he added.

Delivering his keynote address, Rotary International President Olayinka Hakeem Babalola highlighted Rotary’s achievements in Nigeria, saying the organisation’s work demonstrates how strategic partnerships can effectively address public health and community development challenges.

He recalled Rotary’s decades-long involvement in eradicating wild poliovirus from Nigeria and Africa, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that no child suffers from the disease.

Babalola also highlighted the impact of Rotary’s Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria initiative, saying it had recorded significant improvements in maternal and child healthcare across pilot communities.

“Our target was to reduce infant mortality by 25 per cent. Infant mortality was reduced by more than 50 per cent, while maternal mortality was reduced by 35 per cent,” he said.

He revealed that Rotary has committed approximately 8.5 million dollars to Healthy Community Challenge pilot programmes in Kebbi and Akwa Ibom states. The projects are aimed at combating malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea through prevention measures, health education and stronger community engagement.

Babalola recounted making an unannounced visit to a healthcare facility in Gombe State, where health workers informed him that no maternal or infant deaths had been recorded during the previous 12 months following Rotary’s intervention.

“This reminds us that our work does not end with a single project or a single year. We are in the business of building a better future,” he said.

The Rotary International President expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for supporting the organisation’s humanitarian efforts. He also disclosed that President Tinubu assured him during a private audience that Nigeria would continue backing Rotary’s initiatives.

Describing his election as a historic achievement, Babalola said it represented “a moment of pride for our nation and for Africa.”

“I am deeply humbled by the confidence placed in me and mindful of the responsibility that comes with leading a global organisation of over 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries and territories,” he said.

He called on Rotarians worldwide to strengthen their clubs, embrace innovation, mentor emerging leaders and build stronger partnerships capable of delivering lasting impact.

Earlier, Chairman of the Inaugural Ball Organising Committee, Wole Kukoyi, described the event as a historic occasion that showcased Africa’s voice on the global Rotary stage.

Kukoyi also appealed to donors and development partners to support the fundraising campaign, noting that every contribution would help finance Rotary’s humanitarian projects across Nigeria, Africa and other parts of the world.