President of Rotary Club Omole-Golden, Rotarian Jide Ogunleye, did the unlikely by shaving his decade-old beard to raise N5m for the Rotary Foundation.
Rotary foundation is a non-profit corporation that supports the efforts of Rotary International to achieve world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs
The event which coincided with Ogunleye’s birthday brought together a large crowd of supporters and well-wishers.
According to Ogunleye, the idea to shave his beard for charity came after he met a past district governor from the United States at the Rotary International Convention in Australia in 2023.
Well-wishers donated N5m on Saturday as his beard was shaved off during the fundraising.
His words, “In 2023 at the Rotary International Convention in Australia. I had the privilege of meeting a past district governor from the United States. As we discussed leadership and fundraising, he shared a simple yet powerful lesson: “Make fundraising fun. Involve people. Make it an experience.” That thought never left me.
“So, when I was planning my year as president, an idea struck: Why not turn something personal into something impactful?
“At a retreat we held in April 2024 in Agbara, I made a bold statement before my club I announced that I would shave my beard for the Rotary Foundation.”
The governor shared a lesson on making fundraising fun and involving people in the experience.
“For a decade, this beard has been a part of me. Today, it becomes a tool for impact.”
Rotary District Governor 9111, Dr Oluwole Kukoyi, commended Ogunleye’s action to humanity, wishing him a happy birthday.
He stated, “Ogunleye is giving a part of himself for others.
“He’s doing this for the Rotary Foundation, and that is doing good worldwide. It takes a kind heart to give a part of yourself for others.”
The Past Assistant governor, Ezinne Obioha, described the initiative as “sacrificial” and praised Ogunleye’s idea to strategically raise funds for the less privileged, emphasising his kindness and generosity.
A tech professional, Rotarian Mercy Georgie-Igbafe, commended Ogunleye’s innovative approach to fundraising and his commitment to the service of humanity.
“In one word, I’ll describe this initiative as “service to humanity”. The fact that somebody has the innovative, intention to say, I will cut my beard for humanity to generate revenue. It is innovative, and creative, of the irresistible, magical president of Omole Golden.
“One thing I’m going to take away from this is to live intentionally and make sure that your life has meaning. This is going to go into the sands of time for an innovative idea by someone who has a heart for service. And that’s what rotary is all about.”
