Society Gists

Rotary International District 9112 held its scholarship awards ceremony for indigent but brilliant undergraduates on Wednesday, May 6, 2025, at The Rotary Centre, Ladoke Akintola Street, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.

The scholarship programme, funded by the Rotary District Educational and Welfare Endowment Fund (DEWEF), supported students from Lagos and Ogun States.

According to the pioneer District Governor, Rotarian Femi Adenekan, the beneficiaries were nominated by over 74 clubs and were selected after a rigorous process that included a computer-based aptitude test conducted by WAEC.

“Each of the awardees received allowances for school fees, feeding, and textbooks,” Adenekan said, reiterating Rotary’s dedication to education and skill development.

The awards covered 200-level university students and HND1 polytechnic students, reflecting the inclusive scope of the scheme.

Chairman of the DEWEF Committee, Rotarian Abosede Ewumi, highlighted that DEWEF was established in 1991–92 during the era of the former District 9110, which was later split to form District 9112.

“DEWEF is designed to assist brilliant but indigent students in tertiary institutions across Lagos and Ogun States. Rotarians have consistently donated to support this educational cause,” she said.

In a positive turn this year, the 22 new beneficiaries received ₦250,000 each, while returning students got ₦100,000 each. The committee also confirmed that going forward, the award sum would be standardised at ₦250,000.

Chairman of the DEWEF Board of Trustees, past District Governor Yomi Adewunmi, described the initiative as “a beacon of hope, empowering young minds through the power of education.”

He further encouraged beneficiaries to give back by joining Rotary.

“Once you’re made in life, what Rotary expects from you is to learn to give back to society. And the best way to do it is by joining Rotary,” he said.

Present at the event were the District Governor-elect for 2025–2026, Rotarian Lanre Adedoyin; District Governor-nominee for 2026–2027, Rotarian Layi Abidoye; District 9112 Executive Secretary, Rotarian Wilson Esangbedo; and District Conference Committee Chairman, Rotarian Segun Adewakun.

“The difference between Rotary and other philanthropic organisations is that each Rotarian contributes to make the scholarship possible,” Rtn. Adenekan concluded.