By Anthony Ada Abraham
For Rabi Maidunama, founder of the Maidunama Sickle Cell Foundation (MAISCEF) and a dedicated Rotarian, attending the 2026 Rotary International Convention in Taipei was more than an international trip it was a memorable experience of service, friendship, and global unity.
Her journey began in June 2026 as she joined thousands of Rotarians from around the world for the annual convention in Taipei, Taiwan.
Accompanied by fellow Rotarian and travel partners, Maidunama arrived at the convention venue filled with excitement and anticipation.
“Spotting our Nigerian flag at the convention centre alongside my travel partner, a fellow Rotarian, filled me with immense pride. Arriving at the walkway where all countries with Rotary clubs are represented was a truly unforgettable moment,” Rabi Maidunama said.
The convention brought together more than 38,000 Rotarians from across the globe, creating an atmosphere of cultural exchange, networking, and renewed commitment to humanitarian service.
Throughout the event, Maidunama participated in sessions, connected with fellow Rotary members from different countries, and shared ideas on community development, health advocacy, and service above self. The experience also gave her the opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s presence on a global stage while learning from successful projects implemented by Rotary clubs worldwide.
Reflecting on the journey from beginning to end, she described the convention as an inspiring reminder that people from different backgrounds can unite through a shared commitment to making the world a better place.
For the MAISCEF founder, the trip was not only about representing Nigeria but also about returning home with fresh ideas, stronger international friendships, and renewed determination to continue serving vulnerable communities, especially those living with sickle cell disorder.
“Taipei was a beautiful experience. I would describe it as a more expensive version of China. It is a clean, well-organized country with breathtaking mountains, lush green landscapes, friendly people, great tea, and delicious street food.”
“One of the biggest challenges was the language barrier. English is not widely spoken, and communication was often difficult. From hotel attendants to taxi drivers and street vendors, very few people spoke English, and most didn’t seem concerned about it. They simply live comfortably in their own world, where English isn’t a part of everyday life. Thankfully, phone translation apps made communication much easier.”
One of the most emotional moments came as they approached the walkway leading to the convention centre, where the flags of every country with Rotary clubs were proudly displayed.
“During my stay, I visited many of Taipei’s top attractions, including beautiful temples, Taipei 101, the Sky Garden, vibrant night markets, and enjoyed a variety of local street foods. Overall, it was a memorable and enriching experience that gave me a deeper appreciation of Taiwan’s unique culture and way of life.”
“This year, we proudly celebrated the second African and the second Nigerian to serve as Rotary International President for the 2025–2027 Rotary year, Rotarian Yinka Hakeem Babalola. Nigerians came together in matching attire to honor and celebrate this remarkable milestone.”
As the curtains fell on the Rotary International Convention 2026, Rabi Maidunama left Taipei with lasting memories, valuable connections, and a deeper appreciation of Rotary’s global impact …an experience she says will continue to inspire her humanitarian work for years to come.
