President Bola Tinubu has felicitated Past District Governor (PDG) Olayinka Babalola on his emergence as the President of Rotary International for the 2026/2027 calendar year.
Babalola, a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, was elected by the Rotary International Board of Directors following SangKoo Yun’s resignation on health grounds.
Babalola will assume office on July 1, 2026 and will serve till June 30 2027.
Having rose through the ranks, Babalola is the second African and Nigerian to attain the position in the global humanitarian organisation’s 120-year history.
Rotary International is a global humanitarian organisation with over 1.4 million members across more than 200 countries and territories.
In a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, the President expressed the belief that Babalola’s elevation is “a testament to his years of service through the Nigerian Society of Engineers and Rotary International, his laudable philanthropic initiatives and relentless pursuit of projects that have impacted lives, strengthened communities, and advanced peace, progress, and human dignity.”
“As you prepare to assume office, you can count on our support and encouragement to continue championing humanitarian causes, fostering international partnerships, and promoting the spirit of service to humanity,” the President assured Babalola.
The President also believed that Babalola’s election would “inspire millions of Nigerians, especially the younger generation, by demonstrating that anyone can achieve global recognition and lead transformative change with vision, integrity, and dedication to service.”
Tinubu wished Babalola a successful tenure and renewed strength in his service to humanity.
