A Graceful Bow: Reflections on a Tenure of Purposeful Service
The outgoing President Rtn. Eriata Oribabor and the League of Past Presidents of Rotary Club of Ikate preside over the change of leadership baton to Rtn. Chidozie Ofoegbu as the President.
Eriata Oribahbor Immediate Past President of Rotary Club of Ikate
6/26/20252 min read
With a heart full of gratitude and eyes set on the horizon, I pen this reflection to mark the end of a remarkable chapter in the life of the Rotary Club of Ikate, Surulere, Lagos.
On the evening of June 24th, 2025, at a beautifully coordinated two-in-one event — our Hand Over and End-of-Month Super Tuesday — I officially passed the baton of leadership to the dynamic and capable hands of our President-Elect, Rtn. Chidozie “KC” Ofoegbu, now the President of our club for the 2025–2026 Rotary year.
The moment was rich with emotion, buoyed by celebration and the unmistakable spirit of Rotary. Members, past presidents, and partners gathered not just to witness a transition but to affirm the unbroken thread of commitment that binds us in service above self.
Reflecting on the Rotary year 2024–2025, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Our club did not merely mark time; we moved the needle on impact. From education to healthcare, clean water to peacebuilding — the Seven Areas of Focus of Rotary International came alive through our efforts. The projects we executed were not just activities; they were answers to prayers, bridges to hope, and seeds of transformation.
In the words of Past President Rtn. Ugochukwu Egesionu, we are challenged to keep our “never-say-die” club on cruise control for more successes. And I have no doubt that President Chidozie will not only steer the ship with precision but also sail it to even greater waters. His pledge to build on the successes of my tenure is reassuring — proof that leadership in Rotary is a continuum, not a competition.
As I bow out, I am proud to say this: mine was a tenure that will echo for as long as Rotary Club of Ikate lives. We led with purpose, acted with courage, and served with joy. I sincerely thank our past presidents, every devoted member, and our generous sponsors — without you, the dream would have stayed a dream.
To every Rotarian out there, may you find inspiration in knowing that Rotary truly works. It is magic in motion. It is hope given hands. Rotary is good.
Let’s keep serving — one life, one community, one legacy at a time.
