DG Hits The Ground Running With Commissioning of Projects in Port Harcourt

Day 1: Start of a new Rotary year

1ST JULY 2023

The Rotary International District 9141 Governor: Rotarian (Rtn) Emeke Utebor was in  Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State; Nigeria to commission the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine donated by the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt (PH) GRA to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of the Paediatric Department of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).

Handing over the machine to the Pediatric Department of UPTH, the District Governor (DG) of Rotary District 9141, Rtn Emeke Utebor, said Rotary is a humanitarian club of kind-hearted people who are willing to give back to society. DG Utebor said: “This month of July in Rotary is dedicated to Maternal and Child Health, and so the donation of this machine will help save more children.” The

President of Rotary Club of Port Harcourt GRA, Rtn Jeane Ochen, said the donation was imperative and urged the management of UPTH to make judicious use of it to save lives. Ochen urged other humanitarian organisations to look for a need to meet, especially needs that would impact on the lives of ordinary people.

Still on the 1st of July, the District Governor attended the installations of the President of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Garden City; Rotarian Katrina, the President of Port Harcourt Abuloma; Rotarian Bolaji and the Installation of the District Rotaract Representative (DRR) Rotaractor Millicent; where he advised Rotarians, Rotaractors and Guests to be open minded in order to be able to create hope in the world with appreciation.

His visit to Rivers State ended as he paid a courtesy visit to the former Deputy Governor of Rivers State and a Past District Governor (PDG) of Rotary International; His Excellency Rotarian Gabriel Toby.

During the visit to PDG Gabriel Toby, DG Emeke Utebor said: “As Rotary begins its new year, I express my gratitude to past District Governors who have guided our district forward with unwavering commitment to Rotary’s ideals and exceptional leadership. Their tireless efforts, motivation, and belief in the power of Rotary to change lives have left an indelible mark on our district. They have served as ambassadors, mentors, advisors, advocates, and mentors, offering guidance and support to Rotarians at every level. Under their guidance, our district has grown stronger, more resilient, and more impactful, championing humanitarian initiatives against disease, poverty, illiteracy, and inequality. Remember past District Governors’ legacy, carry forward their spirit of service, dedication to fellowship, and positive difference in the new Rotary year”.

DGE Emeke Utebor further went on to say: “Past District Governors, on behalf of all Rotarians, are deeply grateful for their exceptional leadership and dedication. As we move forward, let’s honour their legacy by embracing collaboration, innovation, and compassion, building upon their foundation, and creating a brighter future for our communities”.

He went on to put on record; the fact that PDG Gabriel Toby was the first to spot his ability to lead beyond Club level and challenged him with a leadership position during his year of service as the District Governor. This can be said of every present leader.

DG Emeke Utebor further went on to say: “We appreciate you; PDG Toby Gabriel and all Past District Governors hence we pledge to continue that service to humanity as we create hope in the world with appreciation this Rotary Year.

In closing, he said “Thank you, and let us all embark on this new Rotary year with renewed enthusiasm, knowing that we stand on the shoulders of giants. Together, let us continue to serve, inspire, and transform lives, for we are Rotarians, and together, we can change the world by creating hope through appreciation”.

In his response, PDG Toby Gabriel encouraged the DG and other leaders present to continue walking the path already charted and to do much more as he wished them well. He followed these encouraging words with a lavish entertainment of all present.

Present during this visit were:

DGE Chinedu Ikegwani

Jeane Ochen – President Rotary Club of Port Harcourt GRA

Prince – Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Gateway

Chika – President, Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Esara City

Kinsley Ikeokwu – AG Zone 36

Veronique Tabai – AG Zone 31

PAG Julius Aguni – District Chair, Annual fund

PAG Ibim Semenitari – RPIC

PDG Virginia Major – DRFC

Douglas Okafor – VP Rotary Club of Port Harcourt GRA