The Rotary Club of Nigeria, District 9141, has initiated plans to roll out literacy projects across the 74 local government areas within it’s jurisdiction, covering Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo and Delta states, as part of efforts to deepen social impact and promote inclusive education.

District 9141 Governor-Elect, Chibueze Anthony Olikagu, said the initiative is designed to extend educational support beyond urban centres to underserved communities.

Olikagu disclosed this during a learning seminar organised for club officers in preparation for leadership responsibilities in the next Rotary year.

“Our target is to ensure that Rotary executes projects in each of the 74 local government areas within our district,” he said.

He noted that the seminar was aimed at equipping incoming club officers with the requisite leadership skills to effectively manage the affairs of the district in the coming year.

Meanwhile, the District Governor, Anthony Osaretin Woghiren, has cautioned club leaders against acts capable of tarnishing the organisation’s image.

Woghiren, who spoke at the same seminar, expressed concern over reports of misconduct among some leaders. He warned that diverting registration fees of new members to settle personal dues constitutes fraud and would not be tolerated.

“If you collect money from someone for registration and, instead of registering the person, use the funds to pay your dues, that is fraud,” he said.

He added that any leader found culpable would be reported to the Rotary hierarchy and could face withdrawal of membership.

Also speaking, Assistant Governor of the district and Chairman of the Seminar Organising Committee, Chika Kingsley Ohagba, described the programme as a strategic platform for grooming incoming leaders.

According to him, the training is designed to provide club officers with the knowledge and tools required to ensure a seamless transition into the new Rotary year, which begins in July.

“As we approach the end of the current Rotary year, the next set of leaders is being prepared ahead of time to ensure continuity and efficiency in operations,” he said.

Ohagba urged participants to replicate the knowledge gained in their respective clubs, expressing optimism that the training would enhance the performance of District 9141.

In her presentation titled “Amplifying Rotary’s Public Image: Storytelling, Branding and Digital Presence,” Rotarian and former Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Ibim Semenitari, emphasised the importance of effective communication in strengthening the organisation’s visibility and credibility.

She advised club leaders to adopt clear, concise and engaging messaging, particularly on social media platforms, to promote Rotary’s activities.

“When clubs communicate effectively, they build trust and attract participation. Rotary’s public image reflects what people think and feel when they encounter our brand,” she said.

Semenitari also urged members to maintain brand discipline and foster strong relationships with the media to enhance outreach and engagement.

The seminar featured the induction of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, into Rotary District 9141.