From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
It was a fun-filled evening, at the Exclusive Bar of Royal Park Hotel, Zungeru Road, Kano, when the 2021-2022 President of Rotary Club of Fagge, Mr. Godfrey O. Moha, handed over the Gavel to the new President, Dr. Orji Akpala Opanwa, to lead the Club for another glorious 2022-2023 Rotary Year. The event which was well-attended by members of other Clubs within Kano, including friends and well-wishers of Rotary Club of Faggeand started in soft mood, with blaring music and exchange of banters and pleasantries by men and women of substance, who have dedicated part of their resources and time for service to humanity and ensuring the well being of the down trodden.
Those in attendance did not betray the mood of that Friday evening, July 8, as all were sitted happily savouring the joy of the moment. Mr. Godfrey Moha, who insisted to be addressed as the “Presiding President, ” added colour to the handing over ceremony with his characteristic mannerism of putting laughter on every person’s face.
But of much concern was his very short and emotional-laden handover speech. Describing the new President as a brother and friend who is able and capable of wearing the Gavel, he pledged his unflinching support and prayed that Dr. Orji shall surpass his own successes. “I wish you the best. May you succeed more than I have done. Upon this your neck is the responsibility of the Club. May God be with you,” he stated.
Dr. Orji, a renowned medical practitioner took the responsibility wholeheartedly promising to, “take the responsibility as if I am in the emergency room, saving lives.” And that elicited a hilarious applause from the audience!
According to him: “This Imagine Year is a year to synergize with all Rotarian with specifics Aim in Diversity,Equity and inclusion.(DEI). I started Using the Word ‘Imagine ‘ when I was in 300L in UNIBEN when anatomy lecturer told us to Just Imagine Anatomy as part of our body and passing Anatomy exams become very easy.
“I remembered the call I received from Charter president informing me that I have been elected as the President Nominee of Rotary club of FAGGE in my absent and many congratulatory messages/calls from other board members.
“I was reluctant to accept it fully due to the perculiarity of my classification but after understanding the deeper trust for quality men in the Board of RC FAGGE to elect me as their leader,I now accept it Fully to be the President of RC FAGGE which I have resumed duty since 1st July 2022. I promise to take this responsibility seriously as if I’m in Emergency room saving lives.
“With the support of all Rotarians here plus Rotaractors, friends and guests,I will perform my duties as club president very well, knowing fully well that we are going to cross many bridges in this imagine year.”
He listed his targeted projects to include: “iincreasing members of this club to a mega club, sustaining members, contributing to rotary foundation till we become PHF(Paul Haris fellow) club, executing projects with the 7 rotary areas of focus in mind, leading Rotarians to District functions and to international conventions eg DG investiture, DISCON, Vibrant club workshop and R.I convention in Melbourne Australia. In conclusion, Just IMAGINE a world without Rotarians Synergizing with each other in their classifications and with the world at large.
Thanks for making me your President.”
Born over four decades ago, Dr. Orji is the new Medical Director of YADAKUNYA General Hospital , Kano State. He is also the Former Coordinator/ focal person MDRTB programs at Infectious Diseases hospital(IDH),Kano State, former Head of Chest department,IDH. Medical Director at OVERCOMERS CLINICS AND MATERNITY, Kano, with special interest in maternal and child health.
He joined Rotary Club Fagge on 12 April, 2019 and has held different positions in the club. He has also received Rotary Foundation recognitions and other commendation awards.
Highlights of the occasion include recognitions and presidential commendation to Rotn.Stanley Akam Emeka, Rotn.Desire Igho, Rotn Rosemary Lorzuo, Rotn Orji Akpala Opanwa, Rotn.Etherbert Onuoha, Rotn.Anthony Egejuru, and Rotn Emmanuel Enedeh, for their outstanding services and sacrifices for the growth and development of the Club in the 2021-2022 Rotary Year. Also Rotn Chimaobi Nwokoro had a wonderful birthday celebration as members joined hands to cut the cake and thanked God for blessing him with another year of fulfilment.
