By Mike Nnebife
The Rotary Club of Awka GRA District 9142 has installed Rotarian Martin Nzeocha as its new president.
Rotarian Nzeocha became the club’s 23rd President, taking over the baton of leadership from Rtn. Ugo Benitez Ibeanu, who served out his 2023/ 2024 tenure as the 22nd President of the club.
The installation ceremony which was held in Awka, Anambra State Capital, attracted eminent personalities and friends from diverse fields, who trooped in to show love and support to the new leadership.
In his inaugural speech, Nzeocha said the new Rotary Year was themed: “The Magic of Rotary”, to make the world a better place where diseases are prevented and health is promoted.
He said the Rotary Year would aim to build a society where a healthy mother would give birth to a healthy child, where people lived in peace with one another without tribalism, colour or religion, and a world with good water hygiene and clean environment.
Nzeocha added that he would target a world where each family planted at least a tree to support the environment, and where the children of the common man would have access to basic education.
Nzeocha pledged to embark on at least a project for each of the Rotary areas of focus, including the rehabilitation of boreholes and lectures on proper hygiene, promotion of basic education and literacy through school debates, promoting peace building, conflict prevention and resolution, and visitation to hospitals to improve maternal and child health.
He said the club would provide treated mosquito nets, wheelchairs and working tools to skilled persons to support disease prevention and economic development. He also promised to scale-up skill acquisition training, payment of hospital bills and tree plantings within Awka metropolis to support the environment.
Earlier, Ugo Ibeanu, the immediate past President, stated that the club recorded tremendous progress under his leadership and called on all club members to give full support to the new leadership, even as he appreciated everyone who supported him.
The event featured induction of new members, launch of service projects, and presentation of awards to eminent personalities for their professional, community and humanitarian services to society.
Among the award recipients were the Chief Medical Director, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Dr. Joe Akabuike; Chief Ken Chinweze; Hon Chinyere Ossy-Okoye; Chukwuma Mbata; Ikechukwu Umeh and Benjamin Nwofor.
Others were Lady Chinwe Alagbu; Chief Francis Chidiac; Ozo Chukwuemeka Nwokoye; Ndubuisi Unachukwu; Engr Ramos Ihekona; and Lolo Angela Okadigbo.
