Education
Okoguale Emerges 37th President of Rotary Club of Garki-Abuja, Unveils Bold Agenda on Power, Scholarships others
By Cyril Ogar
Rotarian Irene Okoeguale was officially installed on Friday as the 37th President of the Rotary Club of Garki-Abuja.
The well-attended installation and fundraising ceremony was held at the Exhibition Pavilion, 903 Tafawa Balewa Way, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, and attracted dignitaries, special guests, and members of the wider Rotary family.
In her inaugural address, President Okoeguale outlined a bold vision for a Rotary year anchored on impactful, innovative, and sustainable projects aimed at improving access to healthcare, education, and menstrual hygiene for vulnerable communities.
She revealed that one of the Club’s flagship projects for the year would be the provision of alternate power supply to the Aleyita Clinic and Doctors’ Quarters, a critical intervention designed to address the need for reliable healthcare services in underserved rural areas.
“This project is not just an initiative it’s a promise,” she said. “A promise to the mother in labor at midnight. To the vaccines that must remain refrigerated. To the children who deserve care, even when the lights go out.”
Other proposed projects for the Rotary year include: Menstrual hygiene campaigns for schoolgirls; Scholarships for underprivileged students; Environmental sustainability and community clean-up efforts; Economic empowerment programs for women and youth; Crisis response and community resilience initiatives and Civic education and youth engagement programs
Okoeguale reaffirmed the Club’s commitment to Rotary International’s mission of “Service Above Self” and called on stakeholders, development partners, and philanthropists to support their efforts in delivering lasting impact.
“This year, our theme is ‘United for Good’—a powerful reminder that Rotary is not about one person. The strength of our impact lies in our collective effort. When we work together, we can achieve much more.”
She reflected on her Rotary journey, which began in 2020, describing it as a return to her roots in service shaped by parents who lived out compassion and purpose daily.
“Over the years, I have served in various roles, learning the rhythm of our club and the heartbeat of our community. I have seen what’s possible when Rotarians unite—not around ego, but around impact.”
President Okoeguale announced that her leadership this Rotary year will focus on four key pillars:
Impact with Intention: Projects will no longer be one-off interventions. The Club will revisit and evaluate previous initiatives, especially in Aleyita, to build on successes and improve where needed.
Presence with Purpose: The Club will amplify its visibility through digital platforms, media partnerships, and a revived monthly radio program to enhance engagement and public awareness.
Meaningful Membership: Rotary will become a space where every member feels a sense of belonging, purpose, and opportunity to contribute. Fellowship activities will be intentional, and all voices—especially new Rotarians—will be encouraged and heard.
Structure with Innovation: With her background in technology and systems, Okoeguale is introducing digital solutions to enhance operations. The launch of RC Garki Hub, a custom internal platform, will help streamline communication, monitor projects, and modernize club management.
She concluded her speech with a rallying call for unity and collective action: “We are not here simply to turn the Rotary wheel. We are here to move it faster, fairer, and farther. Let us be Rotarians of action, courage, and consequence. Together, we will not just uphold the Rotary legacy—we will elevate it.
On his own, the outgoing President, Rotarian Joachim Ezeji, commended the incoming president’s passion and vision, expressing confidence that the club would achieve even greater milestones under her leadership.
As the Rotary Club of Garki ushers in a new era under Irene Okoeguale, expectations are high for a transformative year of purposeful service, inclusion, and community-driven impact.
Education
Inclusive Education Boost as Deaf-Tech, Federal University of Lafia Roll Out Master’s in Disability Studies
Joel Ajayi
In a major step toward advancing inclusive education in Nigeria, Deaf-in-Tech, an initiative of Data-Lead Africa, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA) to establish a Professional Master’s Degree in Disability Studies.
The signing ceremony, held at Deaf-in-Tech’s headquarters in Abuja, featured a goodwill message from Prof. Adaka Terfa Ahon, Director of the Centre for Disability Studies, who represented FULAFIA’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Shehu Abdul Rahman. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to championing disability and inclusion in its academic innovation and planning.
The new Master’s programme will adopt a hybrid learning model, with online classes complemented by in-person sessions at Deaf-in-Tech’s training facility in Abuja. It is designed to build expertise in disability-inclusive governance, education, and development across sectors.
Executive Director of Deaf-in-Tech and Co-Founder of Data-Lead Africa, Dr. Arowolo Ayoola, described the collaboration as a “structural shift” in how institutions and professionals engage with disability issues. “The inclusion journey must begin with knowledge, and we are proud to partner with a progressive university like FULAFIA,” he said.
Beyond the postgraduate programme, the partnership will also establish a Deaf-in-Tech Club on FULAFIA’s campus — the first of its kind — to empower Deaf students with technology skills, mentorship, and innovation opportunities. Additional initiatives include a ₦1 million academic excellence reward for any Deaf student who graduates with a First Class, as well as the development of a disability-accessible website and digital database for the Centre for Disability Studies, built to WCAG 2.1 global accessibility standards.
The alliance underscores both institutions’ commitment to building inclusive systems and celebrating excellence, while positioning Deaf-in-Tech as a catalyst for bridging the gap between disability and the digital economy.
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