Rotary DG introduces AI-powered innovations, new clubs in seven states

Rotary International District 9127 is poised for a technology-driven transformation, with plans to institutionalize artificial intelligence, expand membership and strengthen accountability across the district, newly installed district governor Rotarian Engr. Sikiru Owonikoko, said.

Speaking at the start of the new Rotary year and handover ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, Owonikoko said his administration will prioritize building a disciplined, digitally enabled Rotary structure focused on achieving measurable impact.

“This is the Rotary we are building: a digitally enabled Rotary, a disciplined Rotary, a future-ready Rotary, a people-centered Rotary that honors our traditions while boldly embracing innovations,” he said.

He said the new leadership has a responsibility to take Rotary beyond traditional approaches and prepare the district for the future.

“District 9127, our district, is fully prepared and we are ready to create lasting impacts,” Owonikoko said.

A major focus of the administration will be the use of technology and artificial intelligence to improve coordination and service delivery. He announced that the district has subscribed to an AI-powered platform for the next **10 years** to support Rotary’s planning, communication and business management.

“This is not an experiment. It is a commitment to efficiency, transparency and excellence for the future,” he said.

According to him, all district events would be planned and monitored through a unified digital system, while official information would be provided to Rotarians in real time.

“One system, one standard, one direction,” he said.

Owonikoko also instructed clubs to adopt digital platforms, including the Rotary Learning Center, social media channels and the district website, which he described as key tools for growth and engagement.

As for membership, the governor said the priority will not just be to increase membership, but to create a sense of belonging among members.

“Membership growth is important, but member engagement and retention are essential. We don’t want to start decreasing and adding members again,” he said.

He revealed plans to expand Rotary’s presence in the seven states currently without clubs in the district, saying the designated leaders were committed to leading the development of new clubs.

“We haven’t been in seven states in this long, and that narrative needs to change this Rotary year,” he said.

Owonikoko urged members to become ambassadors of the organization by attracting at least one new member.

“There is no Rotarian who is incapable of bringing one person into Rotary. If each of us brings one, not out of pressure, but out of the belief to grow our organization, we will not only double our growth, we will surpass it,” he said.

The new governor also outlined plans to improve Rotary’s public image by focusing on real stories of community impact rather than just branding.

“People are no longer inspired by what organizations say about themselves. They are inspired by what they do and the people who do it,” he said.

He encouraged clubs to highlight projects that support education, healthcare, youth development and community empowerment.

“You are the face of Rotary. No wheel, no banner, no sign, but you are the face,” he told members.

On accountability, Owonikoko said discipline will become an important feature of his administration, covering financial management, reporting, communication and compliance with Rotary structures.

“Discipline is not punishment. Discipline is adherence to standards. That’s what separates intent from excellence,” he said.

He also encouraged greater commitment to The Rotary Foundation, describing it as “the engine that powers the wheel of Rotary’s impact.”

The governor called on Rotarians to support the Foundation, saying contributions would help fund projects that improve lives globally.

“When we donate to the Foundation, we are not giving money away; we are investing in hope, opportunity and humanity,” he said.

Owonikoko said his administration will prioritize open communication, innovation and collaboration, adding that the district’s success will be measured by the impact created.

“History will not remember our titles, it will remember our impact,” he said.

At the start of her handover speech, the immediate past district governor, Rotarian Princess Dr Joy Okoro, said Rotary District 9127 experienced significant growth in membership, club expansion and humanitarian projects during the 2025-2026 Rotary year.

Okoro said the district recorded $246,501.65 in contributions to the Rotary Foundation, with 93 Paul Harris Fellows, 11 Benefactors and 8 Major Donors.

He highlighted key interventions, including the allocation of 20% of DDF for polio eradication, a $34,000 mammography machine for the Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital in Kaduna, the provision of medical equipment, the construction of two classroom blocks with 100 desks, the donation of 80 school desks and the installation of solar-powered water systems.