Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba
Delta State Government has assured its willingness to partner Rotary International and other non-governmental organisations engaged in programmes and activities geared toward promoting peace abd improving the quality of lives in the communities.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori gave the assurance in an address at the installation ceremony of Emeke M. Utebor as the 7th Governor of Rotary District 9141, comprising clubs in Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states, held in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
While congratulating Utebor on his elevation and installation, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State described the recognition as a strong statement about the leadership credentials of the Agbor-born engineer, urging him to justify the confidence reposed in him by Rotary International by continuing on the trajectory of excellence that fetched him the high position of responsibility.
Oborevwori commended Rotary for remaining committed to its founding principles based on unqualified love for humanity in more than 100 years of the charity organisation, saying that his administration would continue to partner positive organisations like Rotary to serve Deltans better.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Government House Asaba, Hon Johnson Erijo, the governor said, “I must also express my happiness with the way Rotary International has stayed true to its vision ‘to provide service to others, promote integrity and advance the world’s goodwill and peace through understanding fellowship of business professionals and community leaders’. For more than a century, Rotary has committed men and resources to fight disease, provide access to clean water and sanitation, grow local economies, support education and protect the environment.
“Your 2023 theme of creating hope for the world is most apt and timely. Across the globe, stories of falling economic systems, political upheavals, youth unemployment, abject poverty and rising cases of homelessness, civil disorder and violence. So, many people are, understandably, apprehensive of what the future holds for them. They need hope. And, hope can only come through visionary leadership that offers creative solutions to the myriad of problems that confront the world.
“Hope is rekindled the moment people can see a future filled with opportunities for achieving their dreams of success and happiness. This is what we are determined to achieve through tue M.O.R.E. agenda.
“I look forward to areas where we can partner with your wonderful organisation to achieve our goal of advancing Delta State on all indices of socioeconomic development. I believe nongovernmental organisations like yours have a role to play in ensuring that more people are lifted above poverty through skills training and entrepreneurship development programmes such we plan to implement in the coming months.”
Earlier in his post-installation speech, Utebor thanked God and Rotarians for his successful professional journey leading to his new status and challenged all members to support him in his determination to grow the organisation to give people hope in the future through more selfless service delivery.
While thanking past District 9141 governors and leaders for laying the foundation for the present level of development of the Rotary and Rev Fr Stephen Chukwuma of Saint Michael’s Agbor, Rtn Utebor said that leadership should be regarded as shared responsibility.
He charged the different clubs leaders across Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states to encourage and support the upcoming Rotarians in the junior categories through mentorship so as to grow and foster the humanitarian service spirit engendered by Rotary International.
