The Rotary Club of Benin Sport has held a strategic meeting to deliberate on membership development, financial accountability, leadership succession and community service initiatives.
The meeting, which brought together Rotarians and other participants, opened with the presentation of the Rotary Code of Conduct by Rtn Princess Dianna, the Object of Rotary by Rtn Nkechi, and the Four Way Test by Rtn Mariam. This was followed by introductions, the Rotary Song and an address by the Club President, Rtn Douglas Ogbankwa, Esq., who highlighted the history, values and core principles of Rotary.
The Club Secretary, Rtn Nosa, subsequently presented the minutes of previous Executive Committee meetings for consideration.
Discussions on membership contributions centred on making the club more accessible while ensuring members fulfil their financial obligations. Rtn Monday Afah proposed reviewing the ₦20,000 dues, while Rtn Osazuwa explained that district dues were already included in the overall ₦200,000 membership obligation. Members were also informed that payments could be made in instalments to reduce the financial burden.
The meeting further emphasised accountability and proper financial documentation, with members reminded that club funds are traceable through the Rotary account. It was also clarified that Rotary operates an annual calendar from June to July, with semi annual invoices issued in January and at the end of the year.
On leadership and administration, the President announced that elections would hold in January and encouraged members interested in leadership positions to remain active and committed to the club. He also urged members to strengthen their participation and support contributions to The Rotary Foundation.
Providing international updates, Rtn Monday Afah announced that the Rotary International Convention would take place in Barcelona, Spain, in June next year. Members were informed that they could register with a companion and obtain official invitation letters for embassy profiling.
At the district level, Rtn Osazuwa announced an upcoming Rotary Leadership Institute programme in Auchi and a planned visit by the District Governor to Benin. He also highlighted the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA), scheduled to hold in Benin from December 17 to 20 for young people aged 12 to 20, under the theme, “There to Lead.” Each club was encouraged to register at least three participants at a fee of ₦50,000 per person.
The meeting also acknowledged that three children had been sponsored by Ehis Club to participate in the RYLA programme. Members were reminded of an upcoming event scheduled for Thursday, November 5, at the NNPC Staff Club by 4:30 p.m.
In addition, members discussed the formation of the Rotaract Club Benin Sport and the completion of a recent Rotaract project. Rtn Victor Osazuwa also highlighted Rotary’s founding on February 23, 1905, and its enduring motto, “Service Above Self,” citing its global contributions, including the fight against polio and the provision of water facilities for Ogida Health Centre.
On community development, members were encouraged to contribute their Treasure, Time and Talent towards impactful service projects that address societal needs.
The meeting also clarified that Sergeant-at-Arms collections are paid into the club’s administrative account and not The Rotary Foundation account. Although the collections are not compulsory, members were encouraged to fulfil their annual dues obligations.
A total of ₦75,000 was recorded in Sergeant at Arms contributions from members during the meeting.
The meeting concluded with the Rotary Anthem, a toast led by Rtn Monday Afah and the National Anthem, before the President formally declared the meeting closed at 11:17 a.m.
