Egbodo Benjamin (Mr. Benjamins)
There are moments that quietly remind you why you chose to be part of something bigger than yourself.
For me, this is one of those moments.
As a proud member of the Rotary Club of Alakuko, seeing our invitation to the Welcome Fellowship for the 2026–2027 Rotary Year fills me with genuine excitement. Not because it's another event on the calendar, but because it represents a fresh opportunity to serve, connect, and create meaningful change within our community.
Every Rotary year brings new leadership, fresh ideas, and renewed energy. This year feels especially significant as our club embraces a powerful theme:
"Create Lasting Impact."
I paused for a moment when I first read those words.
Lasting.
Impact.
Those aren't words you choose casually.
They challenge every Rotarian—including me—to ask an important question:
"When this Rotary year comes to an end, what difference would I have made?"
That's the kind of question that stays with you.
A New Chapter Begins
On Sunday, July 5, 2026, members, friends, invited guests, and prospective Rotarians will gather at Pacific Hotel & Suite, Dalemo, Alakuko, Lagos, for our Welcome Fellowship.
Guests are expected from 4:30 p.m., while proceedings officially begin at 5:00 p.m.
If you've never attended a Rotary fellowship before, let me tell you something.
It isn't just about sitting through speeches.
It's about conversations.
It's about relationships.
It's about professionals from different walks of life coming together with one shared belief—that communities become stronger when people decide to serve rather than simply observe.
That spirit is what first attracted me to Rotary, and it's what continues to inspire me today.
Welcoming Our Impact President
This Rotary year, our club is privileged to be led by Rotarian Saheed Olaogun, who assumes office as our Impact President.
I find that title particularly fitting.
Because leadership isn't measured by the number of meetings held.
It's measured by the number of lives transformed.
Judging by this year's vision, I believe our club is setting its sights beyond short-term activities. The goal is to build initiatives that continue making a difference long after projects have been completed.
Whether through education, healthcare, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, or community development, Rotary has always believed that genuine service leaves a legacy.
That's exactly what "Create Lasting Impact" represents.
More Than Service Projects
One misconception people often have is that Rotary is only about charity.
It isn't.
Rotary is about building leaders.
It's about creating friendships that cross professions, generations, and backgrounds.
It's about using your skills to solve real problems in your community.
One day you're discussing a community health initiative.
The next you're mentoring young people.
Another day you're collaborating with professionals you've never met before.
Before you know it, you're part of a family committed to making life better for others.
That's Rotary.
And it's something I'm proud to be part of.
Why I Hope You Attend
Whether you're already a Rotarian, curious about joining, or simply passionate about community development, I believe this Welcome Fellowship is worth attending.
Not because everything changes in one evening.
But because every meaningful journey begins with a single step.
Every impactful project starts with one conversation.
Every lasting friendship starts with one introduction.
And every great Rotary year begins with a fellowship like this.
Event Details
Event: Welcome Fellowship
Host: Rotary Club of Alakuko
Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026
Arrival Time: 4:30 PM
Time: 5:00 PM
Venue: Pacific Hotel & Suite, Dalemo, Alakuko, Lagos
Theme: Create Lasting Impact
My Final Thought
As I prepare to attend this fellowship alongside my fellow Rotarians, I can't help but feel optimistic.
The world doesn't become a better place overnight.
It becomes better because ordinary people choose to do extraordinary things consistently.
That's what Rotary has always stood for.
And that's exactly what I hope this new Rotary year will continue to demonstrate.
If you're looking for a place where service meets friendship, leadership meets compassion, and ideas become action, then perhaps it's time to experience Rotary for yourself.
I'll be there.
I hope to see you there too.