Rotarian McAnthony Echefu has been installed as the 45th President of the Rotary Club of Festac Town, with the new administration outlining plans for health, education, water and economic empowerment projects.
Echefu was installed by the District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Rotarian Bukola Bakare, at an event in Festac Town which also featured a fundraising drive for the club’s humanitarian projects.
Speaking after his installation, Echefu said his administration would focus on projects aligned with Rotary International’s areas of focus, including disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education, economic development and environmental sustainability.
He said accepting the position was not simply an honour but a responsibility to serve and make a difference in the lives of people within the community.
“I am grateful to God Almighty for the privilege to serve. I am grateful to the members of Rotary Club of Festac Town for the confidence they have reposed in me,” Echefu said.
The new president announced a heart health project, “Know Your Numbers and Save Your Life,” as the club’s flagship initiative for the year.
The project will focus on encouraging regular blood pressure checks, early detection of health conditions and prompt referral for treatment.
The club also plans to organise glaucoma and cervical cancer screening programmes, as well as an HPV vaccination programme targeting 100 young women.
On access to basic infrastructure, Echefu announced plans to provide a solar-powered borehole for an underserved community.
The club will also distribute 1,000 French dictionaries to support language learning among pupils.
The new administration is also planning an economic empowerment programme through the distribution of equipment to vulnerable members of the community.
Items listed include sewing machines, vulcanising machines, grinding machines, baking ovens and other vocational equipment intended to help beneficiaries establish or expand small businesses.
“We do not simply want to give people something to consume. We want to give people something they can use to build. A sewing machine can become a tailoring business. An oven can become a bakery. A grinding machine can become a source of daily income,” Echefu said.
He appealed to individuals, corporate organisations and development partners to support the club’s humanitarian projects.
Echefu also assured potential donors that the club would maintain transparency and accountability in the implementation of its initiatives.
The installation ceremony was chaired by retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Dera Anselm Nnadi, while Prof. Humphrey Akanazu delivered the keynote address.
The new administration will now begin its tenure with the announced health, education, water and economic empowerment projects forming part of its programme for the Rotary year.