Rotary International President Yinka Babalola visits Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Aug 13 (TNT): Rotary International President for 2026-27 Rtn Olayinka H “Yinka” Babalola on Thursday visited Hyderabad as part of his presidential engagement with Rotary leaders and members in India.
Hosted by Rotary District 3150 under District Governor Rtn Uday Sudhir Pilani, the visit focused on the theme “Create Lasting Impact”, with emphasis on sustainable community service, healthcare, education, environment, CSR partnerships and membership growth.
He called upon Rotary clubs to focus not merely on completing projects but on creating sustainable and measurable benefits that continue long after projects are completed.
Babalola, a Nigerian engineer and development leader, is the second Nigerian and second African to serve as President of Rotary International.
His Rotary journey began with Rotaract before he joined Rotary in 1994. He has been associated with membership development, polio eradication and international Rotary leadership.
Rotary District 3150, comprising 107 clubs and more than 4,000 members, has set a goal of becoming the world’s No. 1 Rotary district in terms of measurable impact.
The district has identified three major initiatives, including upgrading and equipping Neonatal Intensive Care Units in 18 government hospitals, improving English education for students in underserved communities across Telangana and the district’s Andhra Pradesh region, and restoring 2,000 acres of degraded forest land.
The forest restoration programme is proposed to begin with the 450-acre Gurram Guda forest reserve, with emphasis on biodiversity and long-term ecological sustainability.
A CSR Conclave held as part of the Hyderabad engagement brought together corporates, business leaders, philanthropists, government representatives and Rotary leaders to explore partnerships for sustainable social initiatives.
District 3150 is also focusing on membership expansion, strengthening member engagement and retention, creating new clubs and expanding Rotaract through partnerships with colleges and educational institutions.
The Hyderabad visit sought to align Rotary International’s global vision with local initiatives in healthcare, education, environmental restoration, philanthropy and community partnerships, the organisers said.
TNT TS
