Ex-Cross River Gov Duke Inducted Member Of Ikeja-Alausa Central Rotary Club

Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, was inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa Central on Sunday. The induction ceremony, which was part of the club’s fourth anniversary celebration, was overseen by Past District Governor of Rotary International District 9110, Rotarian (Otunba) Bola Onabadejo, along with other Rotary leaders.

Rotarian Duke was invited by the President of the club, Rotarian Muyiwa Akintunde, who delivered a speech highlighting Rotary’s Four-Way Test. Akintunde encouraged the adoption of Rotary’s values by institutional bodies and individuals, urging that embracing the principles of selflessness would make society a better place, especially for the less privileged.

In his address, the newly inducted Rotarian emphasized the idea that true wretchedness doesn’t lie in the people around you but within oneself. Duke shared his personal philosophy of life, describing it in three phases of 25 years each. He said the first 25 years are for learning how to live and acquire skills, the next 25 years are for learning how to earn, and the final phase, after 75 years, is a time for giving. Duke elaborated that giving doesn’t only refer to financial resources, but also involves sacrificing one’s time and talents, which aligns with Rotary’s “Service Above Self” mantra.

Duke expressed his gratitude for being inducted as an active member, rather than as an honorary member, and was the first of five new members to be inducted during the ceremony.

Past District Governor Onabadejo, who served as the Father of the Day, praised Duke for his transformative leadership as Governor of Cross River and his commitment to the principle of selflessness. He remarked that Nigeria would benefit from more citizens like Duke, who lived freely and with humility, engaging with others without pretense.

The induction ceremony was conducted by the District Governor Nominee Designate of District 9111, Rotarian Sam Ayetutu, and was supported by various other top Rotarians, including Assistant Governor for the Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa Central, Rotarian Ibraheem Adebayo; Past Assistant Governor, Rotarian Kayode Owolabi; and Executive Secretary of District 9111, AG Valentine Shomoye.

Other individuals inducted into the Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa Central were Rotarians Temitope Faborode, Niyi Amosu, Ayodele Omirin, and Precious Muotoh.