Over 2,000 Rotarians and Rotaractors from every corner of Nigeria gathered in Port Harcourt from 20–22 November for the 2025 All Nigerian Rotary Convention (ANRC), themed around strengthened collaboration, renewed commitment to service, and innovative pathways to national prosperity.
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The three-day convention, hosted under the banner “Service Above Self,” opened with the symbolic Yinka Bonfire Night in honour of Rotary International President-Elect (RIPE) Yinka Babalola, setting a warm tone of fellowship ahead of intensive sessions on health, peace, membership growth, and sustainable development.
In a highlight of the opening ceremony, the Rotary Districts of Nigeria jointly conferred a Special Peace Award on Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, recognising his administration’s focus on peace and inclusive development.
Receiving the award on the governor’s behalf, Secretary to the State Government Hon. Benibo Anabraba, pledged continued partnership with Rotary to drive community transformation across the state.
Keynote speaker Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, delivered a powerful address titled “Rebuilding a Fractured or Broken Nation,” urging collective responsibility in restoring families and society while commending Rotary’s decades of humanitarian service.
Rotary International President-Elect Yinka Babalola, in his keynote “A New Dawn for Africa: Imperatives for Growth,” called for greater synergy among Nigeria’s 15 districts, aggressive membership expansion, and increased investment in The Rotary Foundation (TRF).
He was joined by TRF Trustee Chair Ijeoma Okoro, who highlighted the Foundation’s top-rated global credibility and urged Nigerian clubs to maximise grant utilisation.
Sessions on polio eradication, transformational projects, evolving volunteerism, and public-private partnerships featured prominent leaders including Past District Governors Joshua Hassan, Andy Uwejeyan, Nze Anizor, Obafunsho Ogunkeye, and Past Assistant Governor Ibim Semenitari.
Young leaders took centre stage during dedicated Rotaract segments, with District Rotaract Representative Margarita Akuchi and colleagues advocating stronger mentorship and dual membership pathways to secure Rotary’s future.
A vibrant inter-district cultural competition saw District 9142 claim victory with a captivating performance blending dance and cultural symbolism.
The convention closed on a high note with a novelty football match between “Yinka Babes” and “Ijeoma Guys” ending 3–3 at Sharks Stadium, followed by a glamorous Gala Night at the EUI Event Centre.
Rotaractors made headlines with spontaneous and generous donations to The Rotary Foundation, while a delegation of Tanzanian Rotarians added international flair with a special presentation to RIPE Babalola.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Rotary International Director-Elect Emmanuel Katongole praised Nigerian Rotarians for their energy and urged sustained action in health, education, and peace-building initiatives.
The 2025 ANRC concluded with delegates departing Port Harcourt re-energised and united in their mission to expand impact and uphold Rotary’s legacy of “doing good in the world.”
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