Presidency tasks civil society to complement FG in tackling Nigeria’s challenges

The Presidency has called on civil society organisations to complement government efforts in addressing Nigeria’s economic, social and humanitarian challenges, saying stronger partnerships and sustained community service are essential to achieving lasting national development.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Delivery and Coordination, Dr. Amina Kabir, made the call on Saturday while delivering the keynote address at the investiture of Engr. Sikiru Adetona Owonikoko as the District Governor of Rotary International District 9127 in Abuja.

Kabir said government alone could not address the country’s growing challenges, urging service organisations such as Rotary International to continue mobilising resources, mentoring young people and implementing interventions that directly improve the lives of vulnerable communities.

“When government is stretched, civil society must be strong. When communities are hurting, service organisations must be present. Instead of asking who will fix the country, we must ask, ‘What is my own part in building the country?’” she said.

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She noted that lasting impact should be measured not by publicity or ceremonies but by tangible improvements in people’s lives.

“The real question is what has changed. Lasting impact is not noise; it is legacy. It is what remains after the cameras leave. It is the child who stays in school, the community that gets clean water, the young person who chooses hope, and the citizen who begins to believe again because leadership became honest and human,” Kabir said.

She urged Rotary members to make their interventions more strategic by focusing on results rather than launching projects without sustained implementation.

“Our service must be strategic. Service must go beyond launching programmes; it must deliver. We must invest in our young people, restore dignity to our communities and lead with integrity, empathy and excellence,” she added.

Kabir described the newly installed district governor as a mentor whose life exemplifies selfless service, recalling how he and his wife supported her during one of the defining moments of her life.

“The most powerful impact is not always made public. Sometimes it is made in a labour room, an examination hall or a hospital corridor when someone simply says, ‘I am here.’

“Today, Rotary is not only investing you with an office; it is affirming what many of us already know—that you are a man whose life has already been a testimony of service,” she said.

Former Kano State Governor and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, commended Rotary International for its longstanding contribution to humanitarian causes, particularly Nigeria’s successful campaign against polio.

Recalling Kano State’s experience during the eradication campaign, Ganduje said decisive measures helped reverse public resistance to immunisation and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s eventual certification as free of wild poliovirus.

“We had to enforce compliance with the rules for polio eradication. At the end of it, people became convinced that prevention is better than cure, and we succeeded. Kano ceased to be the epicentre of polio as it once was.

“When Nigeria exited the list of polio-endemic countries, we celebrated because Kano contributed significantly to that achievement,” he said.

He stressed that Nigeria’s current security and economic realities require stronger collaboration between government and humanitarian organisations.

“We have insecurity and economic challenges, and humanitarian services are needed now more than ever. Rotary is at the centre of this effort,” Ganduje added.

In her valedictory address, the outgoing District Governor, Joy Nky Okoro, said the district executed more than 1,000 community service projects during her tenure while recording growth in membership and Rotary Foundation contributions.

“You were the true driving force of service at the club level. Through your exceptional leadership, over 1,000 projects were successfully executed. Membership increased, new committees were launched and Rotary Foundation contributions exceeded our expectations,” she said in appreciation of club presidents across the district.

Okoro said the district strengthened interventions in maternal and child health, education, youth development, polio eradication and community service despite funding and logistical challenges.

“As I step back, I do so with gratitude and confidence. Leadership changes, but service remains. Rotary years come to an end, but the impact of service continues forever,” she said.

Speaking after his investiture, the new District Governor, Engr. Sikiru Adetona Owonikoko, outlined his administration’s priorities, including membership expansion, digital transformation and increased support for Rotary members.

“We need to increase our membership like never before. We are also deploying information technology tools to improve our operations and will place strong emphasis on celebrating our members because when members are appreciated, they are motivated to do even more,” he said.

Owonikoko reaffirmed Rotary’s commitment to its Seven Areas of Focus, describing education as one of the organisation’s core priorities.

“Basic education and literacy is one of Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus. Alongside peacebuilding, maternal and child health, water and sanitation, community economic development, environmental protection, and disease prevention and treatment, education remains a non-negotiable priority. We will continue advancing all these areas as prescribed by Rotary International,” he said.

Chairman of the occasion, Ahmed Raji (SAN), described Owonikoko as a compassionate leader whose commitment to humanitarian service reflected values inherited from his family.

“Sikiru is like a younger brother to me, and humanitarian blood flows in him. His father was one of the kindest people I have ever known, and it is therefore not surprising that he has dedicated himself to humanitarian service through Rotary,” Raji said.

He also traced Rotary’s humanitarian legacy to its founding in 1905 and said the organisation’s impact had inspired him to consider joining its membership.

“What I have seen today has encouraged me. I believe my coming here is to enrol as a member, not with the ambition of becoming a governor, but simply to serve,” he said.