Sunday Ehigiator The Rotary Club of Abuja, The Ambassadors, has ushered in a new era of leadership with the inauguration of Prince Herberts as its president, as the outgoing President, Nelly Williams, urged members to remain steadfast in their commitment to humanitarian service and community development. Speaking during the club’s leadership handover ceremony in Abuja, Williams described her one-year tenure as one marked by purpose, collaboration, and meaningful impact, saying the club had successfully executed projects that transformed lives under the Rotary International theme, ‘Unite for Good’. “It has been a year of purpose, service, and impact. Together, we touched lives, strengthened partnerships, and reinforced Rotary’s commitment to making a difference.” She explained that Rotary remained a global network of volunteers and professionals dedicated to the principle of Service Above Self, with interventions spanning education, healthcare, peacebuilding, environmental protection, maternal and child health, and economic empowerment. According to her, the club’s most significant accomplishment was not the number of projects delivered but the positive impact made on individuals and communities. “Our greatest achievement is not just the projects we completed, but the lives we impacted, the hope we restored, and the relationships we built through service,” she said. Williams expressed confidence that the incoming president would consolidate the gains recorded during her administration and expand the club’s humanitarian footprint. “I have every confidence in the incoming president. I believe the club will continue to grow stronger and achieve an even greater impact.” She charged members to sustain their commitment through active participation, teamwork, and selfless service, stressing that lasting change could only be achieved through collective action. Williams also called on more professionals and community-minded individuals to join Rotary, describing the organisation as a platform that empowers people to address societal challenges through volunteerism and service. “As I conclude my tenure, I remain committed to Rotary’s ideals because leadership may be temporary, but service is a lifelong responsibility.” In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated President, Prince Herberts, pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor and deepen the club’s humanitarian interventions under the 2026 Rotary theme, ‘Create Lasting Impact’. “I am deeply honoured to serve as president. We will build on existing achievements and expand our service to humanity,” Herberts said. He commended Williams for what he described as exemplary leadership and assured members that his administration would consolidate the strong foundation she had established. “We will continue to strengthen our projects, deepen our impact in communities, and ensure that Rotary remains a beacon of hope for those in need,” he added. Also speaking, the Assistant Governor of Rotary, Lizzy Asomugha, congratulated Williams on what she described as an outstanding tenure characterised by dedication, selfless service, and impactful leadership. “You have served with passion, commitment and integrity. Your tenure has strengthened the club, and I am confident that the incoming president will build on this success and advance Rotary’s humanitarian mission,” Asomugha said. Family members also paid glowing tributes to the outgoing president for her unwavering commitment to humanitarian service. Mrs. Damka Brown, Williams’ sister, described her leadership as inspiring and impactful. “I am proud of my sister’s commitment to service, and I congratulate her on completing a successful tenure,” Brown said. Similarly, Williams Ngalaba, son of the outgoing president, said his mother’s dedication to helping others had become a source of inspiration to the entire family. “My mother’s dedication to serving others inspires me. I am proud of her achievements and the positive difference she has made,” he said. The ceremony attracted Rotarians, guests, family members, and community leaders who celebrated Williams’ stewardship while expressing optimism that the new administration would further strengthen the club’s humanitarian interventions and community impact.
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