By Victor Okoye
Outgoing President of the Rotary Club of Abuja-Aso Golf, Rotarian Lizzy Ulunma Asomugha, has concluded her two-year tenure with a “Night of Peace” celebration on Wednesday in Abuja.
The event was organised in collaboration with Citizens Advocate for Peace Is Possible (CAPIPIN).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Asomugha was installed as the fourth President of the Rotary Club of Abuja-Aso Golf in 2024.
The ceremony attracted diplomats, security chiefs, public officials, Rotarians and distinguished personalities from across the globe, including Uganda, Ghana, Sierra Leone, UK, Botswana and Canada.
Former Inspector-General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, chaired the event.
Among dignitaries present were Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, Amb. Philip Odida, Amb. Mohammed Yammah and AIG Ifeanyi Uche.
Others included members of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Rotarians and invited guests.
Speaking at the event, Asomugha said she wished to be remembered for outstanding service to humanity.
She described Rotary leadership as demanding, requiring patience, humility, endurance and emotional intelligence.
“It takes tolerance because you are leading volunteers, not employees. You must inspire people through service,” she said.
She advised incoming President, Rotarian Mark Matesun, to lead with humility, patience and commitment to service.
“I accepted the responsibility wholeheartedly and gave it everything. Leadership is about sacrifice and service,” she said.
According to her, leadership should be measured by impact rather than titles.
“I want to be remembered for excellent service to humanity. That remains my greatest fulfilment,” Asomugha said.
She described Rotary as a platform for global friendship and humanitarian service.
“Being a Rotarian makes you a global citizen. Rotary connects people and creates opportunities for service,” she said.
She described the Rotary Club of Abuja-Aso Golf as Africa’s foremost Rotary golf club.
She said members proudly identify themselves as “Golfatarians.”
Asomugha stressed that peace remained the foundation for sustainable development and national progress.
She said the collaboration with CAPIPIN reflected Rotary’s commitment to peaceful coexistence.
“Peace is possible. When communities live peacefully, everyone benefits from development and prosperity,” she said.
She commended the Nigeria Police Force for supporting peace initiatives and professionalism during the recent Ekiti governorship election.
NAN also reports that Asomugha will assume office as an Assistant Governor of Rotary from July 1.
Incoming President, Rotarian Mark Matesun, pledged to consolidate her achievements.
“I am honoured to build on the remarkable foundation laid by President Lizzy Asomugha,” Matesun said.
“My administration will consolidate humanitarian projects and strengthen member engagement,” he added.
“I seek the support of every member as we continue Rotary’s tradition of selfless service,” he said.
Earlier, speakers described Asomugha’s tenure as exemplary, impactful and service-driven.
They commended her integrity, inclusive leadership and commitment to humanitarian service.
Delivering the keynote address, Amb. Joe Keshi spoke on “Leadership in Times of Peace.”
The former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed peace as the foundation of national development.
He said sustainable progress depended on visionary leadership, strategic planning and human capital development.
“Development can only thrive where dialogue, inclusion and justice prevail,” Keshi said.
He urged greater youth engagement to reduce insecurity and strengthen peace.
“I commend Rotary for promoting peace through humanitarian service and community partnerships,” he said.
Also speaking, Okiro, called for collective responsibility in promoting peace and national security.
“Government alone cannot achieve lasting peace without active citizen participation,” he said.
He commended Rotary for complementing national development through humanitarian service.
“I congratulate President Lizzy Asomugha for demonstrating exemplary leadership throughout her tenure,” Okiro said.
Uganda’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Philip Odida, described Rotary as a platform for international cooperation.
“Uganda values its enduring relationship with Nigeria and welcomes greater collaboration through Rotary,” Odida said.
Odida also read a goodwill message and presented Asomugha with a gift from the Uganda High Commission.
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Mozambique, Amb. Mohammed Yammah, emphasised diplomacy’s role in promoting peace.
“Diplomacy begins with peaceful communities. Organisations like Rotary strengthen international friendship,” Yammah said.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Ifeanyi Uche, reaffirmed the police’s commitment to community policing.
“Professional policing succeeds where communities embrace peace and support law enforcement,” Uche said.
He appreciated Rotary and CAPIPIN for supporting peace advocacy nationwide.
District Governor Dame Joy Okoro inducted new Rotary members during the ceremony.
She commended Asomugha for her selfless service to the club, district and Rotary International.
Speaking for the inductees, CAPIPIN National Director, Chibuike Akujobi, thanked Rotary for the opportunity.
Akujobi pledged stronger collaboration between CAPIPIN and Rotary on humanitarian and community development initiatives.
Members of the Rotary Club of Abuja-Aso Golf presented Asomugha with a Certificate of Appreciation.
They described the outgoing president, fondly called “Star Girl,” as an inspiring and unifying leader.
Rotarian Joel Haruna anchored the ceremony with a lively and engaging presentation. (NAN)