Former vice president, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, has declared that selfless service remains imperative to national development, especially in a developing country like Nigeria.
Osibanjo made the declaration yesterday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, while presenting a keynote address at the Rotary International District 9141 Conference.
The former vice president said, “This is my belief that Rotary as an organisation must propagate its tenets and the practice of service. And it must do so because selfless service is certainly one critical imperative in the success of nations and enterprises.
“Some people have to pay the price, some people must be able to say with conviction and act in purpose the word, ‘service above self.’ There is, especially in the developing world, a great need for this service orientation,” he stated.
In her message, the president of Rotary International, Stephanie Urchick, emphasised the need for continuity and collaboration.
Urchick, who was represented by Dr Michael Alaolu, further challenged all Rotarians to strive in ensuring peace and championing Rotary’s action plan.
She said, “Today, I bring you a message that states not just on the powers of service but also the revolving tools that will shape how we serve.”
In his remarks, the district governor, District 9141, Chinedu Ikegwuani, said the district has raised 665,000 dollars for some Rotary Foundations.
