The elected president of Rotary, Babalola, undertakes to expand the global humanitarian impact

Rotary’s international elected president for 2026/2027, Olayinka Akeem Babalola, announced that the global humanitarian organization has engaged $ 9.8 million to fight malaria and diarrheal diseases in Nigeria.

Babalola, who will take an office in July 2026 as president of the 119 -year -old organization, made the announcement during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja.

Presenting it to the event, the past district governor Joshua Hassan has noticed that Babalola is only the second African to maintain the best position of leadership of the Rotary from its foundation in 1905.

A member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, Babalola, was elected by the Rotary International Board of Directors to guide the organization of 1.4 million members, which operates through 46,000 clubs in over 200 countries.

Speaking at briefing, Babalola said that Rotary is downsizing projects to face malaria, diarrheal diseases and gaps in covering immunization.

He mentioned a 9.8 million dollar initiative already in progress in Kebbi and other states, explaining that it is based on a 4 million dollar success pilot project in Zambia which reduced the cases of malaria by almost 50 percent.

“We know what to do to finish the job. We are committed to making the difference in Nigeria and we are working with the government to achieve our goals,” he said.

Babalola has reaffirmed Rotary’s commitment to maternal and childish health, disease prevention, education, water and toilet -sunitaries, economic development, the construction of peace and environmental sustainability.

During Rotary’s ten -year struggle against Poliomielite, Babalola stressed that while Nigeria has been certified free from the wild poliovirus, the variants cases remain a threat due to the low coverage of immunization in some regions.

“We have to continue vaccinating our children. Until there are no more poliomielite cases, no child is safe,” he said.

He warned that the immunity of the herd requires at least 80 % of coverage, yet some states record only 13 % by underlining Rotary’s partnership with government agencies to fill these gaps.

According to him, Rotary International has invested over $ 300 million in Nigeria to fight polomielite in the context of a global commitment of $ 3 billion for eradication, as well as donating $ 14 million to strengthen surveillance and curb the spread of all poles of poliovirus.

Babalola also highlighted the program of healthy families of 2 million dollars in Nigeria, which aims to reduce maternal and childish mortality by improving access to healthcare facilities.

In a district, he observed, the percentage of births in health facilities increased from 11 % to 33 % within one year of the implementation.

He said that in addition to health initiatives, Rotary continues to invest in education and clean water, citing classrooms supported by the rotating, training for teachers and solar energy lighting for schools, together with a ₦ 100 million water and hygiene project in the state of spinners.

“Safe water is not just health, it’s an education,” he said.

Reflecting on his historical appointment, Babalola said that his presidency will bring African innovation to the global Agenda of Rotary while the downsizing of the programs that offers a measurable impact.

“This is a privilege to guide a global movement dedicated to the creation of lasting changes, not only among the communities but also within us. It is an exciting development for Nigeria, Africa and the entire rotary world,” he said.

While Nigeria has recognition from having a rotating president, Babalola stressed that the organization remains structured and impartial in the allocation of resources.

“On average, Rotary in Nigeria gives about $ 3 million a year. Only in Nigeria, in the last three years, the Rotary Foundation has spent $ 33.5 million. There will be more grants? The possibility is there. But this will happen only if our rooters are understood and will do more for their communities. And I think they will do it,” he said.

Looking forward, Babalola expressed optimism that his mandate would have seen Rotary expand his humanitarian imprint in Africa and global level.

“Wherever Rotary goes, follow good things. We need more people, more clubs and more partnerships to create a lasting change. This is the time for Africa to guide. We will show the world that solutions can come from here,” he said.

He encouraged the Nigerians to join the Rotary Clubs and actively engage in solving the challenges of the community, saying: “You say them, this is a problem in this sector; we can do something about it? If you need in that community, your Rotary Club will take care of it”.