Obasanjo, Abiodun to Deliver Goodwill Messages as Rotarians Begin District Conference Today in Abeokuta

The annual District Conference (DISCON) of Rotary International District 9112 kicks off today at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State. Rotarians from 82 Rotary Clubs in Lagos and Ogun States will be attending the Conference under the theme “Elevate DISCON”.

Prominent dignitaries expected at the four-day conference include former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and Past Deputy Governor (PDG) Stella Dongo of the Rotary Club of Highlands, RI District 9210, Zimbabwe, who is the representative of the President of Rotary International (RI), Francesco Arezzo.

DISCON is a flagship annual event of Rotary International District 9112. It is projected to host over 3,000 participants, comprising Rotarians from across Nigeria and beyond, top government functionaries, captains of industry, corporate organisations, development partners, policymakers, and other key decision-makers.

Addressing the press in Lagos on Tuesday, Mr Lanre Adedoyin, the District Governor, Rotary International District 9112, said this year’s Conference is “specially themed “ELEVATE” — a call to higher service, stronger leadership, greater impact, deeper partnerships, and sustainable community transformation. It reflects our collective resolve as Rotarians to rise above limitations and elevate humanity through purposeful service”.

According to him, ELEVATE DISCON 2026 promises to be one of the most impactful and transformational District Conferences ever organised by the district.

“We are particularly honoured that the conference will be held within the iconic and globally respected Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, a symbol of leadership, statesmanship, history, and national development. The choice of venue aligns perfectly with the conference’s focus on leadership, governance, peacebuilding, and nation-building”, he added.

Mr Adedoyin stated that DISCON 2026 is not merely a gathering of Rotarians; it is a platform for ideas, collaboration, solutions, and action to help shape a better society. It is an avenue for inspiring hope, strengthening institutions, and mobilising collective responsibility for national progress.

One of the major highlights of the conference will be keynote engagements and strategic conversations centred on leadership and sustainable development. The Conference will also feature:

•        Humanitarian and developmental discussions

•        Youth empowerment initiatives

•        Economic and investment conversations

•        Public health and education interventions

•        Recognition of outstanding service personalities

•        Cultural and fellowship activities

•        Networking and partnership opportunities for sustainable impact

Rotary International has seven core areas of focus, which include:

•        Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention/Resolution

•        Disease Prevention and Treatment

•        Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

•        Maternal and Child Health

•        Basic Education and Literacy

•        Community Economic Development

•        Environmental Sustainability

DISCON 2026, chaired by Past Assistant Governor (PAG) Segun Adewakun, serves as a powerful platform for networking, policy dialogue, leadership development, and advancing humanitarian and socio-economic initiatives. Adewakun disclosed that beyond fellowship and networking, this conference will showcase Rotary’s immense contributions to humanity through impactful projects in healthcare, education, youth empowerment, economic development, peacebuilding, maternal and child health, water and sanitation, and environmental sustainability.

Rotary International District 9112 has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to community development and humanitarian service across Lagos and Ogun States, as well as through various international interventions.

Rotn. Ademola Akinbola

Chairman, Media & Publicity Committee

DISCON 2026.