Elochukwu Benjamin
Awka
The immediate past President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Plc, Valentine Ozigbo, has called on leaders at all levels to embrace visionary leadership, integrity and selfless service as the foundation for sustainable community development.
Ozigbo made the call during the Silver Jubilee installation ceremony of Mr. Ezuma Smart Chinedu as the 25th President of the Rotary Club of Onitsha Metropolis.
Addressing guests at the event, Ozigbo said communities thrive when leaders place the interests of the people above personal ambitions, urging the newly inaugurated president and Rotary members to continue promoting values that inspire positive social change.
In his acceptance speech, the new Rotary President, Ezuma, pledged to usher in a new era of purposeful leadership anchored on humanitarian service and sustainable community development throughout the 2026–2027 Rotary year.
He reaffirmed his commitment to expanding impactful community projects and building stronger partnerships aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable people across different communities.
Special Guest of Honour and Chairman, Board of Directors of Emos Best Industries Limited, Bishop Dr. E. C. Obiorah, commended the Rotary Club for its consistent investment in humanitarian causes, particularly in education, healthcare and community empowerment. He encouraged members to sustain their interventions for the benefit of society.
Also speaking, Assistant Governor Obiaku Juliet, who represented the District Governor, Rotarian Chibuzo Asogwa, conveyed the goodwill of the district leadership and urged members to remain steadfast in Rotary’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self.”
The ceremony, themed “Service Above Self: Creating Lasting Impact Through Leadership,” featured the formal installation of the new president, inauguration of the 2026–2027 Board of Directors, induction of new members, presentation of awards to distinguished individuals, unveiling of strategic community service projects and goodwill messages from dignitaries and partner organisations.
In line with Rotary’s humanitarian mission, the club partnered with Wecare Nursing Service to provide free medical outreach during the event. Guests, including men, women and children, benefited from complimentary blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, health counselling and preventive healthcare education.
Adding colour to the celebration, members of the Arondizuogu Patriotic Union and the Arondizuogu Youth Association Worldwide travelled from the hometown of the new president to honour him with captivating cultural performances. Accompanied by the melodious sounds of the traditional Oja flute, the display celebrated the richness of Igbo cultural heritage and earned enthusiastic applause from guests.
The colourful Silver Jubilee celebration attracted Rotarians, Rotaractors, traditional rulers, business leaders, community stakeholders, family members and friends, who reaffirmed their commitment to ethical leadership, fellowship and community transformation through Rotary’s enduring ideals of selfless service.
