President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Rotarian Olayinka Babalola on his election as the President of Rotary International for the 2026/2027 Rotary year.
Babalola, a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, was elected by the Rotary International Board of Directors following Rotar SangKoo Yun’s resignation on health grounds. Yun had held that position.
Babalola will assume office on 1 July 2026.
The Rotarian is the second African and Nigerian to attain that apex position in the global humanitarian organisation’s 120-year history.
Rotary International is a global humanitarian organisation with over 1.4 million members across more than 200 countries and territories.
In a statement signed by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, the President expressed the belief that Babalola’s elevation is ‘a testament to his years of service through the Nigerian Society of Engineers and Rotary International, his laudable philanthropic initiatives and relentless pursuit of projects that have impacted lives, strengthened communities, and advanced peace, progress, and human dignity’.
‘As you prepare to assume office, you can count on our support and encouragement to continue championing humanitarian causes, fostering international partnerships, and promoting the spirit of service to humanity’, the President assured Babalola.
The President also believed that Babalola’s election would ‘inspire millions of Nigerians, especially the younger generation, by demonstrating that anyone can achieve global recognition and lead transformative change with vision, integrity, and dedication to service’.
President Tinubu wished Babalola a successful tenure and renewed strength in his service to humanity.
