(+Photos) Rotary Friendship Exchange with District 9126 (Akure) & Rotary Ghana Delegation Hosted by the Rotary Club of Mende Midtown

On Monday, August 4, 2025, Rotarian Eric Botey, from District 9104 in Ghana and Chair of the District Rotary Friendship Exchange and Fellowship Committee, along with his team, paid a visit to the District Governor of Rotary International District 9112, Rotarian Lanre Adedoyin, and the entire District.

The team received a warm welcome at the Jide Akeredolu Hall. The Rotary Club of Mende Midtown partnered with the Rotary Clubs of Anthony Golden, Lagos Mainland, and Royal Ikeja Ambassadors (RIA) to host this heartfelt reception.

Prior to this event, the Ghanaian delegation had arrived in Lagos on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, where a joint fellowship was held in their honor. They also traveled to District 9126 in Akure, Nigeria, to further engage in exchange activities.

Their meeting with the District Governor, Rotarian Lanre Adedoyin on Monday, August 4th was coordinated by the Rotary Club of Mende Midtown. During the meeting, bannerlets were exchanged as a symbol of goodwill and international unity. To create a welcoming atmosphere, refreshments and drinks were offered to all attendees.

Rotarian Eric Botey, Chair of the District Rotary Friendship Exchange, expressed his gratitude for Nigeria and District 9112, emphasizing the significance of the exchange program in fostering cultural understanding and fellowship. He remarked, “This entire arrangement was facilitated with District 9-1-2-6 in Ondo. We visited Akure and decided to meet with the district governor to reconnect, as our friendship began two years ago when members from District 9110 visited us.”

Rotarian Botey praised the welcoming nature and incredible changes in the district, saying, “I can genuinely see that the districts are connected. The Rotarians have been incredibly hospitable; they have welcomed us warmly, and we’ve had a fantastic time. The environment here is wonderful. You can truly sense the progress and service-oriented nature of the community. After nearly 14 years, the changes are remarkable, and it’s heartening to witness. The atmosphere feels inviting and friendly, and you can definitely feel the dedication to service in this area.”

Rita Offeh Nyarko, the Immediate Past President (IPP) of the Rotary Club of Kumasi Nyhiaeso in District 9104, remarked, “It is truly impressive to see such a well-organized and beautifully presented facility. It exemplifies the greatness of Rotary, and I believe this building itself showcases the essence of Rotary remarkably well. We are especially fond of your conference room. Well done, District 9104, Ghana.”

According to Rotarian Sam Akinwande, President of the Rotary Club of Mende Midtown, the exchange began two years ago when members of the Rotary Club of Mende Midtown and the Rotary Club of Ikeja GRA from District 9110 visited them.He stated, “The aim of this Inter-District Joint Fellowship Exchange is to foster fellowship and camaraderie among Rotarians from different districts, promoting a sense of unity and shared purpose.”

Rotarian Dr. Precious Isogie facilitated the fellowship exchange in both 2023 and 2025.

Oge Nwabueze