Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends of Rotary across District 9127 are set to roll out the red carpet for the President of Rotary International, Francesco Arezzo, and his spouse, Anna Maria Arezzo-Criscione, as they arrive in Abuja on Tuesday for the final leg of their Nigeria-wide tour.
Arezzo, who arrived in Lagos last Friday and has since engaged with Rotary stakeholders in different parts of the country, will fly into Abuja from Port Harcourt to a carnival-like welcome at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
In a statement by District 9127 Media Relations Chair, Dr. Max Amuchie, the Chairman of the Reception Planning Committee, Dr. Goddy Nnadi said that elaborate arrangements had been concluded to accord the Rotary leader a befitting reception. ‘Rotarians adorned in Rotary regalia, alongside cultural dance troupes, will be on ground to receive President Arezzo and his entourage in a vibrant display that reflects the warmth and hospitality of our district’, Nnadi said.
Among those expected in the presidential entourage are Rotary International President-elect, Rotarian Yinka Babalola and his spouse, Preba; Trustee of The Rotary Foundation, Rotarian Ijeoma Okoro and her husband, Rotarian Kingsley; as well as the other five District Governors in Nigeria.
Host of the visit, District Governor, Dame Joy Okoro expressed excitement at welcoming the global Rotary leader. She noted that the entire District 9127 family has mobilised to ensure a memorable and impactful visit. ‘We are honoured to receive President Arezzo in Abuja. This visit underscores Rotary’s commitment to service, peacebuilding and disease eradication, and we are fully prepared to showcase the impactful work of our district’, Dr. Okoro said.
Following airport formalities, Arezzo is scheduled for a private dinner later in the evening with philanthropist and Rotary leader, Sir Emeka Offor.
On Wednesday, the Rotary International President will visit Polio House in Area 2, Abuja where he will address the media and receive a comprehensive briefing from the Nigerian National PolioPlus Committee on the country’s polio eradication efforts. He will subsequently proceed to a Primary Healthcare Centre in Area 2 to participate in a symbolic polio immunisation exercise, reinforcing Rotary’s decades-long commitment to eradicating polio worldwide.
At noon, Arezzo will address Rotarians of District 9127 at the Sir Emeka Offor Hall, Rotary Centre, Abuja, where he is expected to outline Rotary International’s vision, priorities and strategic direction. The visit will also include a courtesy call on President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, further strengthening collaboration between Rotary and the government in advancing humanitarian and development initiatives.
Arezzo will depart Nigeria on Thursday, marking the conclusion of a significant tour aimed at deepening Rotary’s impact and partnerships across the country.
District 9127, which covers the Federal Capital Territory and several states in North Central Nigeria, continues to play a leading role in Rotary’s service areas, including disease prevention and treatment, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic empowerment, and peacebuilding.
