Port Harcourt came alive as Rotarians and Rotaractors from across Nigeria and beyond converged on the Garden City for the 2025 All Nigerian Rotary Convention (ANRC). The three-day national gathering, held from November 20–22, celebrated service, strengthened collaboration, and charted new pathways to prosperity.
Hosted across major venues—the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Sharks Football Stadium, and the EUI Event Center—the convention blended learning with celebration and culture, underscoring Rotary’s timeless creed of Service Above Self.
A Warm Welcome & Bonfire of Fellowship
Delegates arrived from various districts to a symbolic and colourful Bonfire Night, tagged Yinka Bonfire Night in honour of Rotary International President-Elect (RIPE) Yinka Babalola. The lively welcome event set the stage for three days of camaraderie, reflection, and inspiring engagement.
Day Two: Ideas, Inspiration and National Conversations
The second day opened with a high-level plenary at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, anchored on the theme: “Igniting New Pathways to Prosperity Through Service.”
Past District Governor (PDG) Joshua Hassan led vital discussions on sustaining Nigeria’s polio-free status, emphasising Rotary’s historic global health contributions. A compelling panel moderated by PDG Andy Uwejeyan showcased transformational projects such as Together for Healthy Families Nigeria and the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge.
A major highlight was the keynote address by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese. In a thought-provoking speech titled “Rebuilding a Fractured Nation,” he called for collective responsibility in rebuilding society and applauded Rotary for its unwavering humanitarian efforts.
Future-focused sessions led by PDG Nze Anizor and PDG Obafunsho Ogunkeye examined evolving volunteerism, youth involvement, and innovative membership growth strategies.
Past Assistant Governor Ibim Semenitari moderated an engaging session on public–private partnerships, where speakers affirmed Rotary’s credibility as a trusted development partner. “There is no trust deficit when dealing with Rotarians,” one panelist remarked.
Governor Fubara Receives Special Peace Award
A defining moment of the day was the presentation of a Special Peace Award to Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for promoting peace and development in the state. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Benibo Anabraba, Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to collaborate with Rotary on community development initiatives.
Youth Leadership Takes Centre Stage
Rotaractors—led by DRR Margarita Akuchi, Rotaractor Delight Ekwueme, and PDRR Kingsley Awo—advocated dual membership pathways and stronger mentorship structures to empower emerging leaders.
Cultural Night: A Festival of Colour and Identity
As evening fell, the convention shifted gears into a breathtaking Cultural Night. Decked in vibrant traditional attire, Rotarians and Rotaractors showcased Nigeria’s cultural diversity through music, dance, drama and folklore.
The inter-district cultural contest was fiercely contested, but District 9142 emerged victorious after a creative fusion of choreography and symbolism. The night featured the presence of RIPE Yinka Babalola and The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Trustee Chair, Ijeoma Okoro, highlighting Rotary’s unity across tribes, regions, and cultures.
Day Three: Sportsmanship, Strategy and a Grand Finale
The final day began at Sharks Football Stadium with an ANRC Novelty Match between Yinka’s Babes and Ijeoma’s Guys. TRF Trustee Ijeoma Okoro performed the ceremonial kickoff, and the game ended in a symbolic 3–3 draw—reflecting Rotary’s values of teamwork, fairness, and gender balance.
RIPE Yinka Babalola later delivered a keynote titled “A New Dawn for Africa: Imperatives for Growth,” urging deeper synergy among Rotary districts, membership expansion, and strategic contributions to The Rotary Foundation.
TRF Trustee, Ijeoma Okoro, reinforced the need for sustained giving and grant utilisation, noting the Foundation’s consistent four-star Charity Navigator rating. Rotary International Director-Elect Emmanuel Katongole also charged clubs to continue “doing good in the world” across health, education and peace-building.
The parade of flags featuring all Nigerian districts added colour and symbolism to the closing sessions.
Gala Night: A Celebration of Service and Excellence
The convention climaxed at the EUI Event Center with a glamorous Gala Night attended by dignitaries from across Africa. The event honoured exceptional Rotarians and Rotaractors, celebrated impact stories, and highlighted the organisation’s humanitarian footprint.
A symbolic presentation by visiting Tanzanian Rotarians to RIPE Yinka Babalola added an international flavour and reaffirmed Rotary’s global bond.
A Renewed Commitment to Service
As the convention ended, the message resonating through the halls was clear:
Rotary’s impact is boundless when inspiration translates into action.
For three unforgettable days, Port Harcourt became the heartbeat of Rotary in Nigeria. With bonfires, football, cultural displays, strategic dialogues and a grand gala, the 2025 ANRC rekindled the spirit of service, strengthened unity across districts, and set a renewed momentum for humanitarian impact nationwide.
Rotarians departed the Garden City energized, connected, and committed to lighting new pathways toward a brighter, more prosperous Nigeria.