Deputy Governor advocates servant leadership style, as Rotary plans N36m projects to uplift community, institutions in Abia

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From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Rotary Club of Umuahia has unveiled plans to lift a community and two institutions in Abia State with N36 million projects in continuation of the Club’s community transformation services, with the State’s Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, advocating that people rendering services in various capacities should embrace the power of service in leadership principle. He said the principle would help them to create an environment where everyone could thrive.
Engr. Emetu made spoke during the installation of Rotarian Temitope Nnaomah as the 44th President of Rotary Club of Umuahia, District 9142, at Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia where he delivered the Keynote address, last Saturday.
The Deputy Governor who spoke on the theme of the event: “The Power of Service in Leadership,” noted that adoption of this leadership approach helps people in authority and even individuals offering various forms of services to prioritise the needs of others, and by so doing, become servant leaders.
“By embracing the Power of Service in Leadership, individuals can create a positive impact, drive meaningful change, and inspire others to do the same.
“The power of service in leadership is about prioritizing the needs of others and fostering a culture of empathy, collaboration, and mutual support. Servant leaders focus on empowering their teams, building strong relationships, and creating an environment where everyone can grow and thrive.
“It is a transformative approach that revolutionizes the way leaders think, act, and inspire others,” Engr. Emetu said.
The Deputy Governor, represented by Engr Ernest Otuonye, listed some advantages of prioritizing service, including empowering others, building trust; driving collaboration; fostering a sense of purpose and cultivating the habit of willingness to learn.
Others are celebrating others’ success; creating feedback mechanism; creating a positive work culture and leaving a lasting legacy by making a lasting impact that continues to inspire and motivate others.
The Deputy Governor wished the Rotary Club a “more transformational leadership and development” as the Club inaugurated its 44th President and other inductees.
In her inaugural speech shortly after her installation, the new President of Rotary Club of Umuahia District 9142, Rotarian Temitope Nnaomah, announced that the mission of her leadership in the next one year would centre on uplifting communities and institutions with the execution of life-transforming projects estimated to cost N36 million.
“This year, we will embark on three critical projects amongst others that will transform lives in our community,” Mrs Nnaomah, dubbed “the Magical President,” said.
The most ambitious of these projects is the provision of solar-powered water borehole and 10-room block toilet facility at Awuja community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State estimated to cost N22 million.
Awuja is a sleepy, poor agrarian community bare of modern amenities. The major means of communication in the area is commercial motorcycle through which the people travel to neighbouring communities of Ozu Item and Uzuakoli, miles away, to access medical care.
The new President explained that Rotary Club of Umuahia decided to adopt the community for its development efforts because of the gloomy faces that stared at their members when they visited the community for the first time about 12 years ago.
“The faces of the villagers during the last visit betrayed emotions of a people living in total neglect, dejection and isolation,” she said.

She named the remaining two projects to include renovation of the Newborn Incubation Centre at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, estimated to cost about N12 million and completion of a three-room block toilet at Ugwunchara Primary School in Umuahia metropolis. The project is estimated to cost about N2 million. She told the gathering that the Club does not have the resources to pull the projects through, hence her appeal for financial support.
“These projects are crucial, and with your financial support, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of our fellow citizen. I urge you all to donate generously to support our efforts, and to join us in making a lasting impact.

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“However, we cannot achieve this vision alone. We will need your support, generosity, collaboration and partnership. Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable and more prosperous community for all,” she said.
She promised the Club selfless service, though she said she was aware of the weighty responsibilities placed on her shoulders.
“Today, I stand before you as the 44th President of the Rotary Club of Umuahia, humbled and grateful for the confidence reposed in me to provide leadership during this Rotary year (2024 – 2025).
“As we gather to celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the immense responsibility that comes with this office. Our club has a rich legacy of service, and I am committed to building on that foundation,” the President assured.
Handing over the insignia of office of the Cub’s President to his successor during his valedictory speech, the 2023/2024 President, Rotarian Irem Okafor Kalu, expressed confidence that Mrs. Nnaomah has all that it would take her to succeed.
“I am confident that you have all it takes to succeed. And so, it is with great pleasure that I hand over to you, the insignia of the office of the President of Rotary Club of Umuahia and induct you as its 44th President for the 2024/2025 Rotary year,” Rotarian Kalu said.
Chairman of the occasion, Ucheoma Amaechi, of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt – Airfield, said that Rotary is a service-oriented organization striving to create a better society and appealed for support for the new President and her Board of Directors to enable them to succeed.
The Installation Chairman, Rotarian Ugochukwu Ajawara, described President Temitope Nnaomah as an experienced, passionate and visionary Rotarian who has the capacity to move the Club to higher heights.
Temitope’s hubby, Mr. Uchenna Nnaomah, said the family was ready to her to succeed. Mr Nnaomah said: ”This day is the much awaited day and we are glad it has come to being. I thank God for a successful installation.
“As a family, we are going to rally round her to ensure that she is going to have a successful tenure as the President of Rotary Club of Umahia for the 2024/2025 Rotary year.
“So, as it is, we are in. Let me say indirectly, we are members of Rotary Club of Umuahia, considering that she is the President. So, we are all out to wish her a successful tenure. All that she needs to have a successful tenure, we shall support her with. I am praying that God will help her to accomplish her aspirations.”
Younger sister of the new President, Keji Morakinyo, said Mrs Nnaomah would succeed given her natural love and flair for service to humanity. “I am grateful to God for the opportunity given to her. She has always been a generous person, so I am not surprised that she is part of Rotary now. I know that she will do well. I pray to God to help her,” she said.
Other highlights of the installation ceremony were presentation of starter packs to five girls the Club trained in make-up skills, in collaboration with Goldenjay Foundation and Glams of Vickie’s; conferement of awards, recognition of Areas of Focus Ambassadors, decoration of Paul Harris Fellows, inauguration the Board of Directors and induction of new members.

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