ABUJA - The District Governor of Rotary International District 9127, Dame (Dr) Princess Joy Nky Okoro has congratulated Rotarian Engr. Olayinka Hakeem Babalola on his emergence as Rotary International President-elect(RIPE).
According to a statement signed by Dr. Max Amuchie, District 9127 Media Relations Chair, the District Governor described the selection of the Rotary International President-Elect by the Board of Directors of Rotary International as a testimony to his service to humanity in Nigeria and the World, notably, the eradication of Poliomyelitis.
She said the choice of RIPE Babalola is also an acknowledgement of the contribution and impact of Nigeria to the growth of Rotary International.
The District Governor eulogised the several leadership positions Babalola held in Rotary since joining as a Rotaractor in 1988.
She in addition, said District 9125 and now 9127 has benefitted from his mentorship through the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI), where he is a team lead and facilitator.
Babalola began his Rotary journey in 1988 as a Rotaractor. He joined the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi six years later. His leadership roles include serving as district governor (2011-12), RI vice president (2019-20), and member of the RI Board (2018-20). He was also an active leader and participant in RI committees such as the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee (2017-23) and the Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee (2013-present, adviser 2016-present).
Babalola received a university degree in engineering in 1988. He has worked for 25 years in the oil and gas industry, holding senior positions in Shell PLC and carrying out projects on four continents. He is the founder of two companies: Riviera Services Ltd., an oil and gas infrastructure delivery company, and Lead and Change Consulting, an executive coaching and organizational performance advisory group.
Babalola's professional affiliations include the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Safety Professionals, and the Association of Change Management Practitioners. He is a member of Jericho Business Club, an organisation in his home city that provides input to governments on economic and social policy.
Babalola and his wife, Preba, live in Port Harcourt. He supports The Rotary Foundation with a named endowment and as an Arch Klumph Society member. A trustee of ShelterBox UK and director of the Safe Blood Africa project, he is a recipient of the Africa Centennial Heroes Award, the Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World, the RI Service Above Self Award, and The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service.
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The president of Rotary International serves a one-year term, presiding over the Board of Directors and providing inspirational leadership for the organization. As the spokesperson for the global network, the president visits clubs around the world to promote Rotary's values and represent the organisation at major events. Rotary chooses its president from members who have demonstrated extensive leadership experience within Rotary, including service as a club president, district governor, and member of the Board.