Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the current Nigeria’s minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, among several other dignitaries across walks of life, have identified with the newly inaugurated President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro, Engr. Michael O. Oluwagbemi.
Oluwagbemi, an immidiate-pass Program Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential CNG Initiative (P-CNGI) was decorated Thursday evening as the new President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro.
While the former Vice President was represented by his former Deputy Chief of Staff, Adeola Rahman Ipaye, Minister, Steel Development, Abubakar Audu, some members of the National Assembly, members of the Diplomatic Corps, some captains of industry, were physically present at the investiture ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, the former VP, who was the chairman of the occasion, described Engr Oluwagbemi as a natural problem solver, testified to his leadership capacity over the years.
He said: “I have known Michael Oluwagbemi for many years. Whether in engineering, entrepreneurship or public service, he has consistently approached leadership as an opportunity to solve problems and improve lives. Those who worked with him in government will attest to his energy, professionalism and unwavering commitment to getting things done.
“It is therefore fitting that his investiture is accompanied by a book titled Blueprints for Progress. Nations, institutions and communities move forward when vision is matched by execution, and that is the enduring message of both the book and the life of its author.”
While commending the outgone President of the club, Osinbajo said for over 120 years, Rotary has quietly demonstrated that while governments make policy, it is often citizens working together in service who make communities flourish.
“Across the world, Rotarians have built schools, restored hope, promoted peace, improved healthcare, fought disease and strengthened communities—not because they were compelled to do so, but because they believed it was the right thing to do.”
In his acceptance speech after his investiture, Engr Oluwagbemi called on Nigerians to reject cynicism and embrace active citizenship, declaring that the country is at a defining moment in its history where collective service and leadership are critical to national renewal.
The new President said said although Nigeria is grappling with numerous socio-economic and governance challenges, the country also possesses immense opportunities that can only be harnessed through selfless service, ethical leadership and community participation.
He urged Nigerians not to allow the nation’s difficulties to breed hopelessness, stressing that meaningful change begins with citizens choosing to become part of the solution.
“Nigeria stands at a defining moment in her history. While our challenges are many, so are our opportunities. This is not a time to retreat into cynicism; it is a time for citizens to rise, to serve and to become part of the solution. Every community transformed, every child educated, every life saved and every opportunity created moves our nation one step closer to the future we all desire,” he said.
Oluwagbemi made the remarks while accepting the leadership of the club at a ceremony that also featured the launch of his book, Blueprints for Progress, the presentation of Presidential Honours to distinguished Nigerians and the induction of new Rotarians.
He said the values espoused in his book, which contains a collection of his writings spanning more than two decades, reflect his belief that service remains one of the most effective pathways to national development.
According to him, proceeds from the sale of the publication will be channelled into humanitarian projects undertaken by the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro.
The Rotary president said the organisation has, for more than 120 years, demonstrated that citizens working together can complement government efforts by addressing pressing community needs.
He noted that Rotary has continued to provide support in critical areas such as disease prevention, maternal and child health, clean water, education, peacebuilding and environmental protection across the world.
“Rotary exists because no government, however well intentioned, can meet every need of society. There will always be gaps that require compassionate citizens, ethical leaders and generous communities to bridge,” he said.
Oluwagbemi urged Nigerians to embrace what he described as the “Three Ts of Giving”—Time, Talent and Treasure—as practical ways of contributing to national progress even as he encouraged professionals, entrepreneurs and other citizens to volunteer their time, deploy their skills to solve societal problems and support humanitarian initiatives with financial resources.
“Giving is not simply about money. It is about living a life of purpose. Our greatest legacy is not what we accumulate, but what we contribute,” he stated.
As part of his administration’s priorities, Oluwagbemi announced plans to construct a Community Volunteer Fire Station to serve Kafe District, Life Camp, Gwarinpa and neighbouring communities in the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the project would improve emergency response, save lives and protect property while demonstrating what communities can achieve through collaboration. Beyond the fire station project, he said the club would also implement programmes in healthcare, education, youth development, environmental sustainability, peacebuilding and economic empowerment during the Rotary year.
He called on members of the club, development partners and philanthropists to support the initiatives, saying every contribution would directly improve lives and strengthen communities.
Oluwagbemi also challenged members of the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro to uphold the organisation’s ideals of integrity, accountability and excellence.
According to him, the induction of 25 new members has restored the club’s status as a mega club, placing greater responsibility on members to expand Rotary’s humanitarian impact.
“Vision inspires, but execution delivers impact. Let us execute with excellence, accountability and unity so that together we accomplish far more than any of us could achieve alone,” he said.
The investiture ceremony attracted government officials, lawmakers, diplomats, traditional rulers, business leaders, Rotary officials and representatives of civil society organisations, all of whom reaffirmed the importance of volunteerism and community service in addressing Nigeria’s development challenges.