The Rotary Club of Lekki Golden, District 9112, on Sunday, August 31st, 2025, formally invested Rtn. (Mrs.) Christiana Okenla as its 7th President and third female leader during an elaborate investiture ceremony that drew over 250 Rotarians, dignitaries, and guests to Lagos.
The ceremony, held under the theme “One World. One Community,” saw Rtn. Okenla take leadership under Rotary International’s 2025-2026 theme “Unite for Good,” with distinguished Rotary leaders including Past District Governor (PDG) Asiwaju Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, Past District Governor (PDG) Omotunde Lawson and Past Assistant Governor (PAG) Kayode Aderinokun gracing the occasion.
A major highlight of the event was the induction of 25 new members by District Governor Lanre Adedoyin, who remarked that this was “the largest membership expansion in the club’s recent history” and commended President Okenla for a great start. The District Governor emphasized that “Rotary is first a membership club where friendship is built and then strengthened by service to humanity.” The ceremony also featured the installation of three honorary Rotarians and multiple awards recognizing outstanding service and humanitarian contributions.
Mr. Samuel Egube, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, delivered the keynote address at the ceremony. The event was chaired by Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, Chairman of Executive Group and Board Member of Lagos State Security Trust Fund.
In a special recognition ceremony, District Governor Adedoyin installed Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, his wife Dr. (Mrs.) Ajoke O. Ogunsan, and Mr. Samuel Egube as honorary Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Lekki Golden, acknowledging their significant contributions to humanitarian causes and community development.
The ceremony featured the formal presentation of the “United Board of Directors” for the 2025-2026 Rotary year. The leadership team includes Rtn. Abiodun Olawale-Cole as President Elect for 2026-2027, Rtn. Afolabi Olufunmilayo Margaret as Secretary, and Rtn. Ulari Nwaogazie as Treasurer.
Key committee chairs appointed include Rtn. Akinalabi Akintayo as Service Project Chair, Rtn. Obiajulum Mordi as Foundation Chair, Rtn. Dr. Ambr. Owah Oluwabusayo as Membership Chair, Rtn. Adedeji Hamed as Public Image Chair, Rtn. Agnes Okereke as Youth Service Chair, Rtn Babajide Johnson as the Club Administrator, and Rtn. Obinna Nweke will serve as Club Trainer for the year.
The event recognized several prominent Nigerians for their exceptional service to humanity. Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan received the Humanitarian Excellence Award alongside Princess (Dr.) Toyin Kolade, the Iyalaje Oodua, and Prince Kayode Kolade, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State.
The Distinguished Patron Awards went to Dr. (Mrs.) Ajoke O. Ogunsan, Vice Chairman/Group Managing Director of Executive Group; RT Ope Allen, President of Rotary Club of Winnipeg, Canada; and RTN. (Amb) Frank Osahon Adu, Immediate Past President of Rotary Club of Lekki Golden and founder of Cloudcoders UK.
Notable recipients of the Hope Giver Awards included Mr. Francis Onwuegbuche, Mr. Olaoluwa Samuel Oluwafemi, Amb. Dr. Oyedokun Ayodeji, Chief Stanley David Ekeleme, Chief Dr. Olukayode Odetunde, Rtn Ayotunde Olayinka, Rtn Obiajulum Mordi, Rtn. Adeola Bidemi Adekoya, Rtn Anthony Ejuaye, Baaroyin Ayobami Adedeji, Dr. Michael Okhiria.
In her acceptance speech, President Okenla outlined an ambitious agenda focused on Rotary’s seven areas of focus, with particular emphasis on health, education, and community economic development.
“Our investiture theme, ‘One World. One Community,’ reflects the truth that we are all connected,” Rtn. Okenla told the gathering. “The needs of humanity are universal, and service knows no boundaries, what we do here can inspire, empower, and uplift communities everywhere.”
Key initiatives for the 2025-2026 Rotary year include the “Pack-to-School” project, designed to provide educational materials to underserved students. The club has already sponsored ten young people, aged 14-25, to attend the annual Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) at Sea School, Apapa, Lagos.
The new president also announced plans to expand health outreach programs, building on successful initiatives like the Safe Start project and Dress-a-Dream programs for maternal and child health.
Rtn. Okenla, who serves as Director of Customer Success for West Africa at Equinix (MainOne), brings over 22 years of professional experience spanning banking, telecommunications, and information technology to her new role. She previously served as club treasurer during the “Imagine Rotary” and “Create Hope in the World” years.
“My personal leadership philosophy: Purpose, Passion, People, will guide how we embrace Rotary’s seven areas of focus,” she explained. “Our purpose will give us direction, our passion will fuel our commitment, and our people will remain at the heart of every decision.”
The elaborate ceremony featured traditional Rotary protocols including the recitation of the Four-Way Test and Object of Rotary, formal presentation of the club board, project unveiling, and fundraising activities. The event concluded with cake cutting ceremony and networking session.
In her speech, President Okenla paid tribute to her late father, Chief Christopher Okhira, and her mother, Deaconess Agnes Okhira, crediting them with instilling the values of service and integrity that guide her leadership approach.
“I see this Rotary year as a tapestry – with each project a thread, each member a weaver, and each act of kindness a color that makes the whole brighter,” she told the enthusiastic gathering.
The investiture ceremony concluded with the new president’s pledge to “lead with empathy, integrity, and excellence” while working to make the club “a force for good” in the community.
The Rotary Club of Lekki Golden operates within District 9112 and is known for its innovative community projects and strong membership engagement across Lagos and surrounding areas.
