Data-driven journalism key to strengthen PHC, cut maternal, child deaths — Babalola

By Chioma Obinna

Nigeria has recorded another major milestone on the global stage as Olayinka Hakeem Babalola assumes office as the new President of Rotary International, becoming only the second African to lead the world’s largest humanitarian service organisation.

Babalola, a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Rivers State, will officially take over on July 1, 2026, overseeing Rotary’s expansive network of 1.2 million members in more than 45,000 clubs across nearly every country of the world.

His emergence is being celebrated as a landmark moment for Nigeria and Africa, signaling the continent’s growing influence in global humanitarian leadership.

In a press statement made available to Vanguard, Babalola has pledged to focus on peacebuilding, strengthening community resilience, and accelerating the final push to eradicate polio globally as he begins his one-year tenure.

“Rotary gives people the opportunity not only to make a difference in their communities, but also to grow through meaningful relationships, collaboration, and a deeper appreciation of different perspectives.
“At a time when many societies face division and uncertainty, I believe Rotary has an important role to play in building understanding, advancing peace, and creating opportunities for communities to thrive,” he added.

Babalola takes office at a critical time for Rotary’s global mission, particularly its decades-long battle against polio. Through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, Rotary and its partners have succeeded in reducing polio cases worldwide by 99.9 per cent, contributing over $3 billion and mobilising millions of volunteers to protect children against the crippling disease.

The Nigerian Rotary leader has played a direct role in that campaign, serving on the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee and advising Nigeria’s National PolioPlus Committee.
Beyond polio eradication, Rotary continues to champion projects in disease prevention, maternal and child health, education, economic empowerment, clean water access, peace promotion, and environmental protection.

Over the past century, The Rotary Foundation has awarded more than $5.5 billion to support life-changing interventions across communities worldwide.

The statement added that Babalola brings to the office over three decades of corporate and community leadership experience.

“A trained engineer, he held senior positions at Shell plc before founding Riviera Technical Services Ltd. and Lead and Change Consulting.

“He joined Rotary in 1984 through Rotaract and became a full member in 1994, steadily rising through the ranks while earning some of the organisation’s highest honours, including the Service Above Self Award and the Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World.”

His presidency could further amplify Africa’s voice in global health, peacebuilding, and community development at a time the world faces increasing humanitarian and public health challenges.

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