Kakalistiq.com reports that Rotarian Ezekiel Ola Balogun, the President of the Rotary Club of Gbagada South, District 9110, echoed a passionate call for government collaboration and partnership to foster the growth and development of communities. His remarks came amidst the donation of delivery aids to Papa Primary Health Center during an interview in Epe on Friday, March 1st, 2024, marking one of several events lined up for a 3-day retreat held in Epe.
Addressing the pressing need for collective action, Rotarian Ola Balogun emphasized that while the government plays a pivotal role in community development, it cannot fulfill every need alone. He urged all tiers of government to create an enabling environment for clubs like Rotary to carry out their humanitarian aims, advocating for strategic partnerships to overcome financial challenges and maximize impact.
“We realized that the government cannot do everything. You can imagine that the military guys built the health center, and we have come to provide equipment. Our advice to all tiers of government is to create a platform for clubs like Rotary to carry out their aims. We appeal that they partner with us to make impacts despite our financial challenges,” he stated.
Highlighting the global reach of Rotary clubs, Rotarian Ola Balogun stressed that their humanitarian efforts transcend geographical boundaries. He explained the significance of choosing Epe for the donation exercise, citing the ancestral ties of a significant number of club members from Gbagada South with the Epe community. The decision to support expectant mothers with delivery aids was deemed essential, reflecting the club’s commitment to promoting safe childbirth practices.
Having conducted a thorough needs assessment before the donation, Rotarian Ola Balogun underscored the importance of addressing the identified gaps in healthcare infrastructure. In alignment with the Rotary Year’s theme for 2024, “Create Hope in the World,” he expressed the club’s aspiration to make a meaningful difference by filling crucial gaps in healthcare provision.
During the donation ceremony, which was well attended by community stakeholders, including the representative of Oloja of Epe Land, High Chief Dada; the wife of Olu-Epe, Olori Aribike Adewale; the representative of Epe LG Chairman and Ward A5 Councilor, Hon. Rasheed Oluwo; and the Epe LG Supervisor for Education, the Rotary club’s Charter President, Rotarian Okunola, emphasized the importance of proper utilization and maintenance of the delivery aids by the health center management. He reiterated the club’s commitment to supporting community intervention projects despite financial constraints, stressing the need for accountability and sustainability in healthcare initiatives.
Rotarian Richard Afolabi, along with Rotarian Niyi Adegbite and other club members, demonstrated solidarity with the community by participating in the donation exercise. The delivery aids, valued at over a million naira, included essential medical equipment such as an electrophoresis machine, a baby weighing scale, and oxygen delivery connectors, among others.
The Rotary Club of Gbagada South’s initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative significance of collective action and strategic partnerships in addressing critical healthcare needs within communities.
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