By Mokwugwo Ogochukwu
The Rotary Club of Onitsha Metropolis has inaugurated the 2026/2027 Rotary year with a renewed commitment to humanitarian service, community development and stronger fellowship among its members.
The inaugural fellowship, held on July 13 at 1890 Residence, Park Road, GRA, Onitsha, brought together Rotarians and invited guests for an evening of networking, reflection and renewed dedication to Rotary’s core values of friendship and selfless service.
Addressing members, the Club President, Rotarian Dr. Ezuma Smart Chinedu, described Rotary as more than a humanitarian organisation, saying it is a family united by shared values and a common desire to make a lasting impact in society.
He said the club would continue to strengthen relationships among members while expanding its community service initiatives through sustainable and impactful projects.
“Rotary is more than an organisation dedicated to humanitarian service. It is a family united by friendship, shared values and a commitment to making lasting differences in society,” Dr. Ezuma said.
He noted that genuine friendship remains the foundation of effective service, adding that stronger bonds among members would enhance teamwork, enabling the club to deliver meaningful interventions in communities.
Facilitating the fellowship, the club’s trainer, Rotarian Ugoo Abba, emphasized that friendship is central to Rotary’s mission, observing that while people join Rotary for different reasons, many remain because of the enduring relationships they build within the organisation.
“Friendship is the heartbeat of Rotary. It strengthens our clubs, inspires teamwork, promotes trust and drives meaningful service to humanity,” Abba said.
The interactive session departed from the traditional lecture format, giving participants the opportunity to share personal experiences and reflections on how friendship strengthens Rotary service and promotes unity within the club.
Members agreed that strong interpersonal relationships are essential for building vibrant clubs capable of delivering sustainable community projects. They also identified pride, gossip, jealousy, selfishness, dishonesty, unforgiveness, disrespect, constant criticism and lack of empathy as attitudes that undermine fellowship.
They, however, stressed that humility, honesty, kindness, trust, teamwork, appreciation, mutual respect and empathy remain indispensable to sustaining a vibrant and impactful Rotary club.
At the end of the fellowship, members reaffirmed their commitment to supporting one another, promoting unity and upholding Rotary’s global motto, “Service Above Self,” throughout the 2026/2027 Rotary year.
The event featured Rotary protocols, an icebreaker session, recognition of visiting Rotarians and guests, networking, refreshments and an interactive discussion on the theme, “Friendship in Rotary Service.”
The fellowship set a positive tone for the new Rotary year, reaffirming the club’s resolve to deepen member engagement and expand its humanitarian outreach for the benefit of communities across Onitsha and beyond.
Mokwugwo Ogochukwu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
