Eket Rotary Club Eket Rotary Club Installs Rtn. Onoriode Obareki as 38th President
In line with the Rotary tradition, Rtn. Onoriode Obareki was at weekend installed as the 38th president of the Rotary Club of Eket, District 9142.
The installation ceremony also featured inauguration of board of directors, launching of service projects and decoration of Paul Harris Fellows (PHFs).
Prominent among those decorated with a PHF was the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno who was decorated with three stars.
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition, it should be noted, acknowledges individuals who have contributed, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1, 000 to the Rotary Foundation.
In his remarks, Pastor Umo Eno said he was happy to be a Rotarian adding that it was gratifying to live for and render services to humanity, which according to him is the tenet of the Rotary Club.
He reiterated his resolve to support the projects of the club for the betterment of humanity and urged well meaning individuals to do likewise.
In his maiden address, the 38th President, Rtn. Onoriode Obareki stated that the focus for the year include; membership development and retention, public image, projects and fundraisers, the Rotary Foundation, the family of Rotary, disaster management, club training and leadership, youth programs, health and education, and club service and administration.
According to him, the Rotary International President, Shekhar Mehta, selected the theme Serve to Change Lives for the 2021/2022 Rotary year due to shared commitment of every Rotarian to provide service above self.
“My dear Rotarians, our compassion and our ability to open our hearts to those in need combined with our commitment to share our time, talent, and treasures with those who are less fortunate is what causes ordinary Rotarians such as ourselves to do the extraordinary things that we do. It’s what makes Rotary so magical.
“There are many needy people throughout our community and the world whose only hope will come from Rotary. Let us all leave here ready to make their lives better in any way that we can.
“I want to beg us that can afford three meals a day to give rotary one to enable us give back to the people that can’t afford one meal a day. Make a donation to support our club’s project on the seven areas of focus for this rotary year,” he said.
Rtn. Obareki maintained that the areas of focus for the 2021 Rotary year include; economy and community development, peace and conflict prevention/resolution, maternal and child health, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, supporting the environment, and basic education and literacy.
“As Rotarians, it will not be good enough to give only what we have left over or what we can spare, but we must truly give of ourselves with new vigour in support of the ideals of Rotary. Let us serve to change lives as Rotary shares its legacy of service above self. We will be fortified with the necessary knowledge, skills and tools to share the magic of Rotary,” Obareki added.
Earlier in his valedictory speech, the Immediate Past President, Rotn Sunday Etette Ituen expressed gratitude to God, the board of directors and the entire members for the successes recorded within the Pathfinder year.
He recounted the successes to include but not limited to; a laurel in Rotary International Citation, wining the Best Club in the District in public Image, wining the Best District Committee Chair, wining the Best assistant Governor in foundation giving, emerging as the third best club in projects and a meritorious service award for exceptional tenure.
Rtn. Sunday, who was installed July 1st 2020, described his successor, Rtn. Obareki as a team player who featured prominently in the Pathfinder year, and pledged to stand by him to ensure actualization of the objectives as a Change Maker President.
