New Rotary District 9127 Governor Takes Over, Commits N150m To Combat Polio, Maternal Mortality

Princess Joy Nky Okoro, the new District Governor of Rotary International District 9127, has pledged to bring about tangible change in Rotary’s focus areas that will benefit humanity.

Okoro, speaking at the handover ceremony at the Rotary Centre in Abuja on Tuesday, revealed that the District intended to commit N150 million to Rotary’s seven areas of focus, with three priorities.

She stated that this includes completing the polio eradication effort, saving mothers and children through improved healthcare, and lifting communities through economic empowerment.

The new Rotary International District Governor for 2025-2026 stated that her mission was to serve with compassion and advocate tirelessly to bring about tangible change in accordance with Rotary’s legacy.

”Today marks the start of a new Rotary year, where we Unite for Good—not just in words, but in bold action.

”As District Governor, my mission is clear: to serve with compassion, advocate tirelessly, and effect tangible change in our priority areas.”

Rotary’s legacy is based on results. “From nearly eradicating polio to empowering communities around the world, we have demonstrated that collective action transforms lives,” he said.

Okoro went on to say that Rotary’s seven areas of focus are broadly defined as peace and conflict prevention and resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Other areas of focus include maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, and environmental stewardship.

There are key areas in the priorities drawn from the seven areas of focus that can be used to make an impact.

“We are 99.9 percent of the way there, but the last mile requires our urgency,” she stated.

She also stated that the district had taken steps to mobilise broad advocacy in securing government and donor support for polio funding with local leaders as models in high-risk areas to boost vaccination campaigns.

”Every Rotarian can be an advocate, share the Rotary polio story, donate to the foundation, and demand political commitment until we can declare the world polio-free.

“No mother should die while giving birth, and no child’s future should be cut short due to preventable causes,” she stated.

Okoro, while speaking about the 2025/2026 prenatal care expansion project, urged clinics to collaborate in providing screenings, nutrition kits, and maternal education in underserved areas.

She stated that the project includes a neonatal survival initiative to train health workers and provide hospitals with the necessary supplies to mobilise health units.

The new District Governor stated that it also included deploying Rotary-funded clinics to communities.

Also speaking, the outgoing Rotary District Governor, Mr Mike Ukachi, thanked God for a successful service year and stated that he took office with great enthusiasm.

He thanked Rotary club members and leaders for their assistance in carrying out highly impactful projects, noting that the club had made substantial contributions to the Rotary Foundation.

“Today, with a high sense of fulfilment to the Glory of God and sincere gratitude to all Rotarians, leaders, and supporters of the District, I am pleased to hand over to you a vibrant district.

”A District standing on a very solid foundation and already set for the destined flight to glory,” he stated.