President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Engineer Olayinka Hakeem Babalola on his election as President of Rotary International for the 2026/2027 calendar year.
Babalola, of Rotary Club of Trans-Amadi, Nigeria, was selected by the Rotary International Board of Directors following SangKoo Yun’s resignation on health grounds. He is to assume office on July 1, 2026, the second Nigerian and African to hold the coveted seat in the organisation’s history spanning 120 years.
In a statement released on Friday by the presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu declared that Babalola’s appointment was in appreciation of his decades-long contributions to the Nigerian Society of Engineers and Rotary International and his philanthropic activities that have transformed lives, constructed communities, and encouraged peace and human dignity.
The President was certain that Babalola’s election would motivate Nigerians, particularly the youth, by showing them that international recognition and leadership of change can be achieved through vision, honesty, and devotion to public service.
“As you begin your tenure, you can be sure that we will support and encourage you as you continue to champion humanitarian causes, foster international cooperation, and propagate the ethos of service to mankind,” Tinubu pledged.
He prayed for Babalola’s successful tenure and growth of strength in his service to humankind.
