Veteran Spanish Rotarian Juan Balbás Commends Nigeria Rotarians

Veteran Spanish rotarian, Juan Balbás, has commended rotarians from across District 9111 for a successful Royal District Conference (DISCON) 2026.

Balbás, who is a member of District 2201 in Spain, said the Nigerian Rotary Club demonstrated the guiding principles of the global organisation, which effectively connect it to the broad objective of delivering service through worthy enterprise and ethical practices.

DISCON is held annually. This year’s edition was held at the Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta between May 7 and 10.

The event featured immersive rotary experiences and networking activities with over 2000 people in attendance.

Serving as the current generation leader of its family eponymous winery, Balbás also thanked the District 9111 for the opportunity for Bodegas Balbas to serve as the official winery of the District Conference.

The Bodegas Balbás winery has over 250 years of wine production heritage. It has 160 hectares of vineyards near the village of La Horra, in an area known as the “Golden Diamond” of the DO Ribera del Duero.

Balbás wine brands are currently being distributed in Nigeria through Fidossi Wines & Spirits Ltd (FWS).

According to the veteran rotarians, “It is an honour for Bodegas Balbás to be chosen as the official winery of the DISCON 2026.

“I feel proud for two reasons. One, because we are one of the oldest wineries. The winery was founded in 1777. So, we can boast of nearly an age of 250 years.”

“On the other hand, the winery was considered for showcase and serving at the conference. I am a Rotarian. I belong to Club 2201 in Spain, and I have always tried to ensure that the values of Rotary, through the motto ‘giving of oneself before thinking of oneself’, apply to all aspects of my life and reflect in the way I conduct business.”

He thanked FWS for linking the winery to the local market and Rotary, ensuring that he can offer support to fellow rotarians and support the worthy enterprise of delivering service, promoting international understanding and serving a growing wine market.

The CEO of Fidossi International Ltd & FWS and partner of Bodegas Balbás Winery, Fidelis Egbochie, expressed excitement about the broad acceptance of the wine brand at DISCON 2026.

He enthused that the acceptance and recognition the brand received at the conference provided insight into a swift penetration of the burgeoning local wine market.