Q: Good evening sir, Today is a happy day for you, being the new President. How has the journey been so far and how did you come to be a Rotarian?
A: It is a pleasure for me to be here with you for this chat. I am Rotarian Ben Dare. My journey in Rotary started about 8 years ago when a friend invited me to a meeting as this. I loved what they do, as serving is one of my core values. Rotary provides me with the platform to make a positive impact on my community and to be kind to humanity. It allows me to spread the good work of Rotary.
Q: Now that you are about to become the President, I know that in life we all try to be forward-thinking. What are your plans, and what are the things you have kept in your locker that you will reveal in a few hours?
A: For me, it is about teamwork, and I have been blessed to have good and inspiring team members coming together. We have been able to sit down, craft an agenda, and develop a strategic plan for the club. We have themed it “A New Dawn.” Our club has a rich history of 38 years, going into its 39th year. As young men tasked with leadership responsibilities, we sat down together to create a strategic plan to elevate the club to greater heights, and we have done so extensively. Our goal is to retain our membership, increase the membership quota by 30%, and, in summary, to increase our impact in Akowonjo and its environs.
Q: I mean we saw the magic President how did it come about it?
A: Thank you. It is a tradition in Rotary that every new year, a President has a new title. They are called by that title. If you notice, the current President is called The Hope President. The President before this one was called the Imaginative President, and for us serving in 2024-2025, the theme is Magic for Rotary. So, some may call us the Magic President, but our PG said we should rather be called the Irresistible President than the Magical President.
Q: Okay. I heard the soon-to-be Past President mention something to a new member, saying that this will be the last time it will be called Akowonjo District 9110. Why is that? I don’t understand.
A: We are a district overseen by Rotary International, which we call RI. Currently, we are under District 9110, which covers Lagos and Ogun State. However, District 9110 will no longer exist as it is. It has been divided into two new districts: District 9111 and District 9112. By June 30th, District 9110 will cease to exist in Nigeria, and we will have District 9111 and District 9112 instead.
Q: What it means is that once a district gives birth to two new districts, the original one automatically ceases to exist, and the two new districts get new names. Is that what you are talking about?
A: Yes, and for me, it is basically about growth. Under District 9110, we have over 140 clubs covering Lagos and Ogun State. Now that it is being divided into two, it provides an opportunity for each new district to grow its membership so that, over time, they can also give birth to another district and expand our reach and impact.
Q: Okay, you said you joined 8 years ago through someone. Does that mean that within 8 years, you can move up the ladder to the presidency? How has the journey been moving up to that particular position?
A: One thing that Rotary emphasizes is leadership development. Every member of a Rotary club is seen as a potential leader because, over time, you develop the capacity to lead. The truth is that each person can only serve as president for one year. My term as president will last just one year before another person takes over. Currently, our club has about 47 members, which we aim to increase by about 30%, bringing us to approximately 50-57 members, nearing 60. For me, it provides an opportunity for each individual who joins the club. If you develop your leadership skills over time, you will be given assignments, be part of committees, and take on responsibilities. If you perform well in these roles, you may eventually become the President of the club.
Q: For someone to become the president of the club, it depends on their performance either with the previous administration or how one presents themselves?
A: For me, Rotary is about service. You can’t be a Rotarian without serving. The core of Rotary is our commitment to serving, and we have different committees that work with the President to ensure they fulfill their mandates. Therefore, you will need to be in one committee or another, working to serve the Rotary’s mission for that particular year.
A: Ok. Finally, someone trying to join Rotary like the person i just saw now, what are your words to that person?
A: Okay, for me, I will encourage everyone to understand that our world needs people who can create a positive impact today. Rotary provides you with the opportunity to reach out to those less privileged in the community. Rotary offers you these opportunities. There are various reasons why people join Rotary, but for me, if you are passionate about serving, passionate about helping the less privileged, and eager to reach out to the community to serve, then it will definitely be a good platform for you to demonstrate and engage with your community in the service of humanity through Rotary.
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