Rivers
PH Rotary Club Gets New President
The Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Garden City has unveiled Rtn. Karina Igonikon as its 11th President.
Igonikon, a journalist, succeeded Rtn Timikeyi Bubagha, marking a new era of leadership and service to the community.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place at Kingozilla Event Center, Dr Peter Odili Road, Port Harcourt, was attended by Rotarians, within and outside the state, local dignitaries and members of the community.
In her inaugural speech, Igonikon promised to continue with her predecessor’s legacy in good healthcare for mother and child, and planting of trees.
She also promised to build upon the Club’s legacy of service, adding that her administration plans to launch initiatives that address pressing community needs, collaborate with corporate and local organisations and engage in impactful volunteer work.
She emphasized the importance of Rotary’s core values, including integrity, diversity and a commitment to service above self, and urged Club members, corporate bodies and the community to join hands and work together to create positive change in Port Harcourt and its environment.
In his own speech, Rtn Bubagha congratulated his successor and commended her exemplary dedication and leadership skills.
He expressed gratitude to partners, sponsors and members of the club for their unwavering support in realising the vision of service which the Rotary International is known for.
He assured that with Rtn. Igonikon at the helm of affairs, the Club is poised to continue its mission of transforming lives and uplifting communities.
The Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Garden City has a long-standing reputation for philanthropic activities and community service.
Over the past years, the Club has undertaken various projects, including providing clean water to rural areas, supporting education through scholarships, and organising medical outreach programs.
The event had District leaders from District 9141 in attendance, notable amongst them are the current District Governor for 2023-2024 Rotary Year, Rtn Emeka Utebor; past District Governor, Rtn Ijeoma Pearl Okoro; and Past Assistant Governor, Rtn Ibim Semenitari.
The Rotary leaders, in their separate speeches, encouraged the Club to strive to do more for humanity, especially this year when the Rotary theme centres on creating hope in the World.
Former Commissioner for Information and Communications in Rivers State, Paulinus Nsirim, was among dignitaries who attended the installation.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to past Presidents of the Club, which include Mrs Tonye Nria-Dappa of The Tide Newspaper, and non-Rotarians such as the Zonal Director, NTA South South, Evelyn Irekpitan Nwosu; the CEO Lupus Haven, Mrs Patricia Inaiba Ozigbu and Director and Head of Public Health and Disease Control Services, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Golden Owhonda.
By: Theresa Frederick