Rotary Club of Lagos Calls on Nigerians and Global Leaders to Embrace Service

The Rotary Club of Lagos has issued a powerful call to action, urging both Nigerians and global stakeholders to embrace a culture of service and generosity. As the organization marks its latest efforts to uplift communities and foster social impact, its leaders highlighted the transformative power of selfless action in driving sustainable change.

At a recent engagement, Metro Lagos Rotarians emphasized that Rotary’s mission extends far beyond charitable initiatives—it represents a lifelong commitment to serving others. Club officials encouraged individuals from all sectors of society, including international actors, to adopt Rotary’s ethos of compassion and civic responsibility. This call reflects Rotary’s foundational principle of “Service Above Self,” where giving time and resources to others is seen as essential to addressing pressing societal challenges.

Rotary underscored the importance of collaborative humanitarian efforts across sectors. By working with government agencies, private institutions, and international partners, the club continues to impact areas such as health, education, water, sanitation, and maternal welfare. These initiatives, driven by local insight and global cooperation, demonstrate how service can transcend borders and reinforce community resilience.

A senior Rotarian noted that encouraging selfless service among younger generations is crucial to ensuring lasting progress. With Nigeria’s vibrant youth force, the organization called on young Nigerians to take active roles in community empowerment programs. By modeling Rotary’s values in their daily lives, today’s youth can take up leadership roles in creating inclusive and service-oriented communities.

Rotary’s message of selflessness has also found resonance among national figures. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, speaking at a Rotary event in Abeokuta earlier this year, urged Nigerians to reflect on their contributions to society daily—asking themselves, “What am I doing for others?” He framed service as foundational to nation-building and a powerful antidote to apathy and social decay.

In another instance, the Anambra State Deputy Governor praised Rotary’s gift of selfless service, particularly citing its role in poliomyelitis eradication and community health improvements. These affirmations from public officials underscore the organization’s influence and the significance of civic mindedness in public life.

Moreover, Rotary International, District 9127, recently launched a leadership development program—Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA 2025)—targeting 400 young Nigerians across northern states. The week-long training in Abuja equips participants with values such as passion, discipline, and entrepreneurial drive. Rotary leaders urged trainees not only to embrace service but to amplify its impact in their own communities.

These ongoing efforts reflect Rotary’s belief that sustainable development must begin at the grassroots and be scaled through education, mentorship, and leadership. By instilling service-oriented values in young people, the organization hopes to cultivate a generation of leaders committed to societal transformation.

Rotary reiterated that service is not limited to large-scale projects or grand gestures. Everyday acts of kindness—volunteering time, mentoring peers, supporting local initiatives—contribute to a culture of compassion and community solidarity. It encouraged citizens to think beyond the self and consider how their actions can benefit others.

As Rotary continues its engagements across Nigeria, its message remains clear: if individuals and institutions alike embrace service as a way of life, the nation will inch closer to unity, development, and equity. The organization urged stakeholders—Nigerians at home and abroad—to heed this call, support Rotary’s mission, and help build a future where compassion and action drive meaningful change.

Rotary called on all Nigerians, from the grassroots to the leadership level, to take proactive steps in making their communities better. They emphasized that acts of service, no matter how small, can create significant change when multiplied across millions of people. The organization expressed optimism that Nigerians, by embracing service as a shared responsibility, can accelerate the country’s progress toward sustainable development.