Outgoing President of the Rotary Club of Abuja, The Ambassadors, Rotarian Nelly T. Williams, on Wednesday, bowed out of office with a call on members to sustain the club’s community service initiatives as she formally handed over leadership to Rotarian Prince Herberts E. at a fellowship in Abuja.
Rtn Nelly Williams said she was fulfilled to have served under the theme, “Unite for Good,” adding that the club recorded remarkable achievements through impactful community service and stronger partnerships.
She described her one-year tenure as one of purpose, service, and impact, saying members worked collectively to implement projects that positively affected lives across communities.
“It has been a year of purpose, service, and impact. Together, we touched lives, strengthened partnerships, and reinforced Rotary’s commitment to making a difference. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve,” she said.
Rtn Nelly Williams said Rotary remained a global network of volunteers and professionals committed to the principle of “Service Above Self” through sustainable interventions in education, healthcare, peacebuilding, environmental protection, maternal and child health, and economic empowerment.
“Rotary is a global network united by the principle of Service Above Self. We address community needs through sustainable projects that improve lives,” she said.
The outgoing president expressed confidence in the incoming president, saying the club would continue to build on existing achievements and expand its humanitarian impact.
“I have every confidence in the incoming president. I believe the club will continue to grow stronger and achieve an even greater impact,” she said.
Rtn Nelly Williams urged members to remain committed to Rotary’s ideals through active participation, teamwork, and selfless service.
“I encourage every member to remain committed because our collective efforts make a greater difference in society,” she said.
She also encouraged members of the public to embrace Rotary, describing it as a platform for compassionate individuals committed to solving societal challenges through meaningful action.
“Rotary is not a secret society but a family of professionals passionate about solving real problems. Anyone with a heart for service has a place in Rotary,” she said.
According to Rtn Nelly Williams, the club’s greatest achievement during her tenure was not merely the number of projects executed but the lives impacted, hope restored, and lasting relationships built.
“Our greatest achievement is not the number of projects completed but the lives we touched, the hope we restored, and the relationships we built,” she said.
She reaffirmed her commitment to Rotary’s mission, stressing that while leadership was temporary, service remained a lifelong responsibility.
“As I hand over, I do so with gratitude. Leadership is temporary, but service is lifelong. Together, we can continue to transform lives,” Williams said.
Speaking after assuming office, the incoming president, Prince Herberts E., said his administration would be guided by the theme, “Create Lasting Impact.”
“I am deeply honoured to serve as president of Rotary Club of Abuja, The Ambassadors. Under the theme ‘Create Lasting Impact,’ we will build on existing achievements and expand our service to humanity,” he said.
Herberts expressed appreciation to Williams for her exemplary leadership and pledged to consolidate on the foundation already laid to deepen the club’s service to humanity.
“I sincerely appreciate the outgoing president for her exemplary leadership and the solid foundation she has laid for the club,” he said.
Assistant Governor of Rotary, Rotarian Lizzy Asomugha, congratulated Williams on a successful tenure and commended her dedication to humanitarian service and leadership.
“I congratulate Rotarian Nelly T. Williams on a successful tenure marked by dedication, selfless service and impactful leadership,” she said.
Asomugha also expressed confidence that the incoming president would sustain the club’s growth and continue to advance Rotary’s ideals.
Assistant Governor of Rotary, Rtn. Lizzy Asomugha
“I am confident the incoming president will sustain the club’s achievements and continue advancing Rotary’s humanitarian mission,” she added.
Mrs Damka Ideye Brown, sister of the outgoing president, congratulated Williams on the successful completion of her tenure and described her leadership as inspiring and impactful.
“I am proud of my sister’s commitment to service and congratulate her on completing a successful tenure that has positively impacted many lives,” Brown said.
Mrs Damka Ideye Brown
Master Williams Great Ngalaba, son of the outgoing president, expressed pride in his mother’s achievements, saying her dedication to service had inspired him and the entire family.
“My mother’s dedication to serving others inspires me. I am proud of her achievements and the positive difference she has made in the lives of many people,” he said. (NAN)
