Fulfillment was the overall mood on Saturday 9th December 2023 while the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt (a non-governmental humanitarian services organization) joyfully installed Rotarian Uchenda Bibian Okogbule as its 4th President. The Club’s 2023/2024 Board of Directors was also inducted; and so were several new members, in an event that comprised fundraising for their proposed community service projects in the 2023/2024 Rotary year.
Prof. Okogbule Nlerum the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State Univetsity was the Chief Host. His Majesty Sir Ohna Sergeant Awuse was the Royal Father of the Day – his wife, Dame Dr. Victoria Awuse and their son represented him. Hon. Barr. Blessing Chigeru Amadi was the Special Guest of Honour.
Anchorman Priye Miebai, an incredible lookalike of the Royal Father, Sergeant Awuse, anchored the proceedings with affluent savour.
Rotarian Uchenda Okogbule, whilst set for installation, was cited as the first female lawyer in both Odegu and Rumuekpe Clans of Emohua, in Rivers State, as well as first female Councillor for Odegu Clan Ward 10, also of Emohua, with numerous other achievements. Her personal charity organization, the Lifeboat Care and Empowerment Initiative was said to be renowned for philanthropy, evangelism, skills training, and renderings of law seminars.
The installation was indeed ceremonial and was ably performed on Rotarian Uchenda by the Club’s immediate past president, Rotarian Dienye Iyalla Apiafi, a fine gentleman and philanthropist.
In her speech, Rotarian Uchenda, gorgeous in Rivers native attire, thanked God for the lofty assignment given her and commended the “Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Passport” for their steadfast preoccupation with the Rotarian ideal of “service above self”.
Upon induction, she remained dutifully poised on stage, with a friendly smile, most of the time, as she oversaw the rest of the programme.
Again, she praised the Club for its adequate contributions that has supported the “Keep Polio at Zero” drive across the globe. She urged the club to do and achieve more, and called also on “spirited individuals” whose heart, as she put it, “beat CHARITY, whose nostrils breathe HUMANITY, and whose minds think PURPOSE and SELFLESSNESS” to join Rotary’s active effort to promote human welfare.
She then inducted a new board of directors and bestowed positions of responsibility on some merry professionals.
Also, the membership of the club increased by 4 new inductees, namely, Rotarian. Gloria Eme Worugji; Rotarian Marvelous Ezomon; Rotarian Azukoya Prince Amadi and Rotarian Nukabari Opuama.
Attendees were treated to cultural music and dance rendition by the Baptist Church Native Choir of Rumuewhor, Emohua Local Government Area. Guests also watched a dance drama by the Theatre Troupe of Rivers State University.
Funds were raised for Rotary’s numerous community development services, through donations, and by means of auctioning a live ram for a sizeable sum. Numerous pictures of their accomplished projects were on display in large formats, at the rear of the venue.
More promoters of Rotary’s lofty objectives, and dispensers of goodwill among fellowmen, were listed to receive awards, namely:
Prof. Nlerum Sunday Okogbule. Prof. Okechuku Onuchuku; Her Royal Majesty Mrs. Stella Amadi; Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole; Prof. Opuenebo Binya Owei; and Prof Precious Nwobidi Ede.
Others were Hon. Justice Iche Nwenenda Ndu, rtd; Prof. Chituru Godwill Orluwene; Hon. Barr. Blessing C. Amadi, Chidi Julius Lloyd; Hon. Barr. George T. Ariolu; Rotarion Mightyman Ayebanush Dikuro; Barr. Erekodima Stephen Lawson; Dame Chrisytie Adata Gabriel Toby; Her Royal Highness Mrs. Stella Ezebunwo Adele; Rev. Boma George; Chief Sir Chika Kingsley Ohagba and Rotarian Captain Paul Ojinta.
However, the awards honoured those among them that were available.
Rotarian new President Uchenda appreciated many more distinguished personages, including Rotarian Daniel Chinedu Okoye who had arrived from Canada.
The father of the new president, late Elder Frederick Nna Nkomadu, himself a former president, was presented a post-humus award of merit.
The venue was the Convocation Arena, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
