Akinyele’s Rotary Journey and Vision for District 9111
Prince Henry Olubowale Akinyele, a seasoned entrepreneur and statistician from Ondo State, Nigeria, is poised to take the helm as the second District Governor of Rotary International District 9111 on July 13, 2025. His journey with Rotary began over three decades ago as a Rotaractor in the Rotary Club of Ikosi, evolving into a deep commitment to service and leadership within the organization. Akinyele’s diverse professional background, encompassing printing, hospitality, logistics, and corporate branding, has equipped him with a unique skillset that he intends to leverage in his role as District Governor. His statistical acumen will facilitate data-driven decision-making, his communication expertise will enhance stakeholder engagement, and his logistical proficiency will ensure seamless event coordination. Inspired by Rotary’s motto, "Service Above Self," Akinyele has diligently served in various capacities, including membership committees, fundraising for the Rotary Foundation, and the Rotary Leadership Institute. This extensive experience has honed his leadership abilities and solidified his commitment to Rotary’s ideals.
Akinyele aims to clarify the true essence of Rotary for the public, emphasizing its global network of professionals dedicated to humanitarian service and positive change. He underscores Rotary’s commitment to integrity, peace, and impactful projects across the globe, highlighting its international recognition and permanent seat at the United Nations. Akinyele plans to dispel misconceptions about Rotary by showcasing its transparency, community engagement, and focus on family and friendship, ultimately emphasizing its role as a force for good in the world.
Akinyele’s vision for District 9111 during his 2025-2026 tenure centers around strengthening organizational structures and driving impactful service through humility, transparency, and accountability. His primary focus is membership growth, aiming to increase the district’s membership by at least 30%, from approximately 2,400 to over 3,000 members. This expansion will amplify Rotary’s capacity for larger initiatives, broader outreach, and stronger fundraising for the Rotary Foundation, aligning with the Rotary International President’s emphasis on membership growth. Intensified fundraising for the Rotary Foundation, the engine of Rotary’s global impact, will empower life-changing projects across communities. Akinyele also prioritizes enhancing Rotary’s visibility through robust PR campaigns across various media platforms, effectively communicating its impact, values, and opportunities to a wider audience. Strengthening the District Education Welfare and Endowment Fund (DWEF) will be another key focus, ensuring sustained support for educational and welfare initiatives.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by younger members, Akinyele plans to create supportive pathways for Rotaractors to seamlessly transition into full Rotary membership, nurturing future leaders. Alongside these key areas, Akinyele’s administration will focus on humanitarian service, including the establishment of a Peace Center to provide peace education and leadership training, building on an existing peace studies short course. This center will serve as a hub for fostering peace and promoting understanding within the community.
Akinyele’s major projects prioritize impactful, community-driven initiatives executed through Rotary clubs. The Peace Center will be a flagship project, promoting peace and understanding through education and training. Shifting from a club-centric model, Akinyele will focus on grassroots development projects that directly benefit underserved communities. One such project involves the renovation and reconstruction of at least 20 sickbays in public schools across various states, with each club adopting one or more schools and receiving partial funding support from the district. This collaborative approach ensures community ownership and maximizes the impact of Rotary’s efforts. Additionally, a major eye screening campaign will target 10,000 public school students, providing free corrective eyeglasses to those diagnosed with visual impairments. These projects exemplify Akinyele’s commitment to addressing real needs and making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Akinyele highlights Rotary International’s substantial financial and developmental contributions to Nigeria, citing its investment of over $300 million in polio eradication efforts and a $2 billion initiative focused on maternal and child health. He also mentions the Community Health Challenge, a pilot program addressing common illnesses like pneumonia and malaria, and a recent $9 million intervention fund approved for Nigeria. These investments, coupled with numerous grassroots projects executed by local Rotary clubs across the country, underscore Rotary’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian support in Nigeria. Akinyele’s personal experiences in humanitarian service have deepened his commitment to serving others. Witnessing the joy and gratitude of communities benefiting from Rotary projects, such as the water sanitation and hygiene project and the cataract surgery initiative, reinforces his belief in the transformative power of service. These experiences underscore the profound impact of Rotary’s work in bringing hope, healing, and help to those in need.
Akinyele’s inspiration to join Rotary stemmed from the passion and energy of friends who were actively engaged in community service. He emphasizes the importance of inviting others to join Rotary and experience the value of giving back. He seeks to dispel the misconception that Rotary is expensive, highlighting that the willingness to contribute and the desire to make a difference are what truly matter. He encourages Nigerians who believe in "Service Above Self" to join Rotary and contribute to building stronger communities.
Akinyele’s strategy for district growth includes forming 15 new Rotary Clubs, each with an average of 25 members, and encouraging existing clubs to grow their membership by at least 20%, with a focus on member retention. This ambitious plan aims to achieve a remarkable increase in membership, strengthening the district’s network and capacity for service. Akinyele attributes his anticipated success to several factors, including the unwavering support of his family, friends, and mentors, his strong work ethic and commitment to self-improvement, his professional background, and his long-standing association with Rotary. He emphasizes that Rotary’s open and transparent nature welcomeseveryone passionate about service, peace, and goodwill.
Finally, Akinyele clarifies the concept of "Royal Installation," the theme chosen for his upcoming inauguration ceremony. While acknowledging his royal lineage, he emphasizes that "Royal" signifies elegance, sophistication, and grandeur, promising a memorable and significant occasion that reflects Rotary’s core values. This event will mark a significant milestone in Akinyele’s Rotary journey and his commitment to serving District 9111.
