You Cannot Have Lasting Impact in an Environment Where There Is No Peace — Rotary International President Yinka Babalola

The President of Rotary International, Rotarian Yinka Babalola, has emphasised the importance of peace as a foundation for sustainable development, declaring that lasting impact cannot be achieved in an environment characterised by insecurity and instability.

Babalola made this assertion during an interview at the Positive Peace Workshop held at the Rotary Centre, 8, Ladoke Akintola Street, Ikeja-GRA, Lagos, ahead of the All Nigeria Rotary Peace Summit scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Speaking on the importance of organising the summit at this time, the Rotary International President explained that the initiative aligns with his presidential message, Create Lasting Impact, noting that peace must be central to Rotary’s humanitarian projects and community development efforts.

“My Presidential message is to create lasting impact. Rotarians are trying to do that all over the world, including here in Nigeria. But you see, you cannot have lasting impact in an environment where there is no peace, where there is no security,” he said.

He stressed the need for greater collaboration among relevant stakeholders, noting that sustainable peace requires deliberate conversations and collective action from individuals and institutions whose responsibilities influence the security and stability of communities.

According to him, the Peace Summit provides an important platform to bring these stakeholders together and strengthen collective efforts towards creating an environment where meaningful and sustainable development can thrive.

Babalola also challenged the conventional perception that peace and security are exclusively the responsibility of government, emphasising that citizens must play an active role in building peaceful communities.

“It is the duty of government to provide a safe and secure environment, but it is the duty of all of us to create an environment that makes sustainable peace possible,” he stated.

He further observed that leadership extends beyond political positions, explaining that although elections determine political leadership, the responsibility for shaping communities and promoting peaceful coexistence rests with everyone.

“Election is supposed to come and go. Come to think of it, what do we do during election? We change political leadership. That’s what we do for the country, the whole community. Leadership goes beyond the political,” he said.

The Rotary International President also highlighted the importance of the Positive Peace Workshop, organised with the support of the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), an organisation specialising in peace research and Positive Peace Index analysis.

He explained that the workshop was designed to equip Rotarians with the knowledge and practical understanding required to incorporate the principles of Positive Peace into their projects and activities throughout the Rotary year.

Babalola noted that understanding the Eight Pillars of Positive Peace would enable Rotarians to design and implement projects that address the underlying conditions necessary for peaceful and sustainable communities.

“The Positive Peace Workshop is to further equip the Rotarians who will drive this element of peace, who will understand how we can tie the Eight (8) Pillars of Positive Peace in making sure that whatever project we do this year creates lasting impact. If it brings peace, it will create lasting impact,” he said.

The All Nigeria Rotary Peace Summit is expected to bring together key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening peace, promoting security and advancing sustainable development, while reinforcing the role of individuals, institutions and communities in building a more peaceful society.

Tune -,in to Rotary Districts 9111 & 9112 Radio for Live coverage of tomorrow’s Rotary All Nigeria Peace Summit between 8 am and 3pm. Download our App from Google Play store on your smartphone or follow us on Social Media platforms.

Rotary Districts 9111 & 9112 Radio…
Service above self.