In a grand ceremony filled with pageantry, Dr. Nwabufo Nwankwo, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to Anambra State Government and Supervising Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, was installed as the 41st President of the Rotary Club of Awka for the 2024/2025 Rotary Year.
The event, held today, drew Rotarians from various clubs, government officials, academics, family, friends, and other well-wishers. Among the dignitaries were Mrs. Nonye Soludo, wife of the State Governor, represented by Commissioner for Special Duties Barrister Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, and Secretary to the State Government Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu.
The outgoing President, Rotarian Chika Ibeneme, officially handed over the club’s symbol of authority to Dr. Nwankwo. In his speech, Ibeneme praised Nwankwo’s leadership, noting his remarkable achievements during the three months he has served as President, including increasing the club’s membership from 75 to 100 members.
Ibeneme also highlighted some of the club’s accomplishments under his tenure, such as constructing a solar-powered borehole and renovating classrooms at Union Primary School Ifite Nibo, Awka South LGA, distributing books and writing materials to primary schools in Ebenebe and Amansea in Awka North LGA, providing 100 white canes to visually impaired individuals in the state, and covering hospital bills for patients at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Nwankwo vowed to elevate the club to greater heights and expressed his gratitude to all who supported the event. He reaffirmed his commitment to upholding Rotary’s values through service and announced several projects planned under his leadership, including initiatives in maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, community and economic development, disease prevention, water sanitation, and environmental protection.
Mrs. Soludo, who was honored with a “Humanitarian Service Award” and represented by Barrister Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, congratulated Dr. Nwankwo and pledged her support to the Rotary Club of Awka. She likened Rotary’s work to her own efforts through her NGO, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo.
Mr. Ossy Onuko, Managing Director and CEO of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), lauded Dr. Nwankwo as a seasoned administrator and achiever, expressing confidence in his ability to exceed expectations.
The Installation Committee Chairman, Dr. Emma Ojukwu, also commended Nwankwo’s impressive achievements within his short time as president, describing them as extraordinary.
Among the distinguished guests were Rotary Club International District 9142 Governor, Prof. Au Nnonyelu; Awka North and South Federal Constituency Representative, Prof. Lilian Orogbu; former Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Chief Maja Umeh; and Sir Chido Obidiegwu, former Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service.
During the event, Dr. Nwankwo conducted his first official duty by inducting new members into the club, including Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Health, and Dr. Martin Agbili, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
