Rotary District Governor-elect visits NRCRI

THE advocacy initiative in support of the 2022 – 2023 Rotary Year of Rotary International, District 9142 has taken District Governor Elect (DGE), Grace Okaro to the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Abia State. 

  While interacting warmly with the Chief Executive Officer of the institute, Prof Ukpabi Joseph alongside his wife and management of the establishment, Rotarian Grace stated the importance of the Rotary Foundation and commended Prof Ukpabi for donating substantially to the foundation. 

  Okaro explained that it was through the foundation that Rotary embarked on humanitarian services across the world such as in the areas of maternal and child health, disease prevention and treatment as well as water and sanitation. 

  Other areas she mentioned include education and literacy, economic/community development, peace and conflict prevention/ resolution.  Okaro further invited Professor Ukpabi to her inauguration as the first female District Governor scheduled to hold on 16th July, 2022, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.  Professor Ukpabi, on his part, commended Rotary for its numerous humanitarian services in various parts of the world over the years and promised to support the Rotary Club of Umudike Central in its activities.  

  Past Assistance Governor (PAG), Chika Ekwueme decorated Professor Ukpabi with the Imagine Rotary pin, Paul Harris Fellows’ pin and medallion, even as he was further presented with the Imagine Rotary Bannerette, and Paul Harris Fellows’ Certificate. 

  Other Rotatrians present during the visit were PAG Dennis Ekemezie, District Secretary Designate, Rotarian Ekele Ochiabuto, President Rotary Club of Umudike Central, President Elect Rotary Club of Umuahia North, Rtn Geraldine Onuora, among many others.  DGE Okaro was also accompanied by the Chair Designate, District Sub Committee on Special Gifts and Endowments.