Rotary International District 9127 yesterday marked the 121st anniversary of Rotary with a symbolic torch unveiling and joint fellowship in Abuja, describing the occasion as a defining moment of legacy, unity, and renewed commitment to service to humanity.
Speaking at the event, the District Governor of Rotary International District 9127 Dr. Joy Okoro
highlighted the organisation's rich history, humanitarian achievements, and continued dedication to service at both local and global levels.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
Welcoming participants, she described the occasion as an important platform to formally announce activities marking 121 years of Rotary and to reaffirm the organisation's enduring values of service, fellowship, and leadership.
Also speaking, the District Chair of the Rotary Day Celebration (RODAC) Committee for the 2025-2026 Rotary Year, Mohammed Adama, said the gathering was more than a ceremony, but a convergence of Rotary's past, present, and future.
"Today is not just an event; it is a moment. It is not merely a gathering, but a convergence of legacies," Adama said, noting that the joint fellowship represented a spiritual, symbolic, and strategic alignment of everything Rotary has been and is becoming.
She recalled that Rotary began 121 years ago with just four individuals who believed that friendship could be transformed into service and service into global impact.
According to her, that modest beginning has grown into a worldwide movement, with thousands of voices now represented across Rotary International District 9127.
Adama explained that the torch unveiled at the ceremony was not a physical symbol made of fire or metal, but a representation of commitment, service, and compassion carried by Rotarians and Rotaractors who continue to respond to human needs.
"The torch represents the child who returned to school, the mother who received medical care, the youth who discovered leadership, and the community that found hope," she said. "It is lit by sacrifice, protected by unity, and passed forward by faith."
She stressed that the celebration was not owned by any single club or hierarchy, but by all Rotarians and partners united by a shared purpose of humanity and service.
According to Adama, the future of Rotary in District 9127 will be built through collaboration across generations, rather than by one age group or leadership cadre alone.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
"The future of Rotary will not be built by one generation. It will be built by all generations standing together," she said, adding that the joint fellowship and torch unveiling underscored that collective resolve.
She urged Rotarians to allow the significance of the moment to extend beyond the venue into their clubs, projects, and communities, noting that the torch would travel not only across states but across hearts, inspiring renewed dedication to service.
"Rotary is not growing old; Rotary is growing stronger," Adama declared.
Shee welcomed participants to what she described as a movement of memory and momentum, as Rotary marks 121 years of service to humanity.
In attendance were the District Governor-nominee, Dr. Kijoke Ekechukwu; Rotarian Adama Mohamed; the President of Presidents and President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro; members of the District leadership team; past district officers; club presidents; assistant governors; zonal coordinators; past presidents; and representatives of the Rotary Youth and Interact community. Members of the media were also present.
