Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; corporate titan, Chief Samuel Bolarinde; and accomplished administrator, Dr. ‘Dere Awosika are set to lead celebrated Nigerians to attend the 2025 Rotary International District 9111 Foundation Dinner and Dance.
Scheduled for Saturday, 29 November 2025 at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, the event themed, “The Royal Gala”, is in honour of the Doyen of Rotary in Nigeria, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, who is also a former Minister of Health, and Founder of Juli PLC.
Bolarinde will be the Chairman of the occasion, while Mrs. Awosika will be the keynote speaker, and Oyebanji will be the special guest at the event that promises to be elegant and inspiring.
According to the District Governor, Prince Henry Akinyele, the event, which would also be attended by Rotary International President-Elect, Yinka Babalola; and The Rotary Foundation Trustee, Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, is dedicated to commemorate and celebrate the 85th birthday of Adelusi-Adeluyi, a past District Governor, and would also witness the launch of The Rotary Foundation Named Gift Endowment in his honour.
Akinyele said: ‘This dinner is more than a social gathering; it is an opportunity to make a difference. As we honour our revered Rotarian (Prince) Adelusi-Adeluyi, we also recommit to Rotary’s cause — supporting peace, promoting health, empowering communities, and creating lasting change. Together, we can make an impact that echoes beyond that night.
‘Do join us for this royal evening of glamour and giving, as we celebrate an excellent icon and strengthen the foundation of hope and service that Rotary represents’.
The Endowment Fundraising Chairman, Asiwaju Michael Olawale-Cole described Adelusi-Adeluyi as a shining light in the Rotary family, adding that the endowment fund in his honour is to celebrate his selfless service, dedication, and commitment to Rotary ideals.
Olawale-Cole, who is also the District Endowment and Major Gift Advisor, further said: ‘This fund, which will be managed in perpetuity by The Rotary Foundation, aims to recognise and perpetuate the values and principles that PDG Julius stands for in our Rotary world. It is our desire to raise the minimum of $250,000 for this noble cause’.
Chairman of the Organszing Committee, Past Assistant Governor Emeka Okolonji added that ‘The Rotary Foundation Dinner and Dance is a signature event in the Rotary calendar. It combines glamour, philanthropy and celebration — a true reflection of the Rotary spirit.
‘This year’s edition promises to be a night of class, compassion, and charity, as Rotarians and distinguished guests gather to celebrate a living legend whose life has been defined by service above self’.
He revealed that the evening would begin with a red-carpet reception at 1 pm, followed by the main event from 3 pm. Guests are expected to grace the occasion in elegant black-tie and dinner dresses, befitting the royal theme of the night.
With fine dining, captivating entertainment, and heartfelt tributes, the Rotary District 9111 Foundation Dinner and Dance promises to be an unforgettable experience — a perfect blend of elegance, gratitude, and generosity.
