A member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, President-Elect Yinka began his Rotary journey in 1988 as a Rotaractor. He joined the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi six years later. His leadership roles include serving as District Governor (2011-12), Rotary International Vice President (2019-20) and member of the Rotary International Board (2018-20).
By Hanna Abebe
The Board of Directors of Rotary International have selected Olayinka Hakeem Babalola as President for 2026-27. His term will begin on July 1, 2026.
A member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, President-Elect Yinka began his Rotary journey in 1988 as a Rotaractor. He joined the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi six years later. His leadership roles include serving as District Governor (2011-12), Rotary International Vice President (2019-20) and member of the Rotary International Board (2018-20).
He was also an active leader and participant in Rotary International committees such as the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee (2017-23) and the Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee (2013-present, adviser 2016-present).
This is a momentous occasion for both Rotary and Africa. President-Elect Yinka's commitment to service, his professional expertise, and his dedication to The Rotary Foundation make him a powerful voice for our global network. We're proud to support him on this incredible journey!
Remembering and Celebrating African Leadership in Rotary
President-Elect Yinka will become the second African to serve as Rotary International President. The late Jonathan B. Majiyagbe served as Rotary International President in 2003-04 under the presidential theme Lend a Hand.
A lawyer by profession, Majiyagbe joined Rotary in 1967. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro and a past member of the Rotary Club of Kano. In addition to his term as Rotary International President, he served as a director, Rotary Foundation trustee, and trustee chair. He served on several committees, including the International PolioPlus Committee, the Nigeria PolioPlus Committee, and the Reach Out to Africa Committee.
Although Sam Owori passed on while serving as Rotary International President-Elect, his dream of service lives on. Owori died unexpectedly on July 14, 2017, due to complications from surgery. His term as Rotary’s 108th president would have begun on July 1, 2018.
Sam was a member of the Rotary Club of Kampala, Uganda for 38 years. Under his leadership, the number of clubs in Uganda swelled from nine to 89 over the course of 29 years.
We honor the legacies of the late Jonathan Majiyagbe and the late Sam Owori, African leaders who served Rotary International with distinction. Their service exemplifies the best of Rotary, inspiring us to build a better world. Africa's leaders have made an indelible mark at Rotary International and their dedication to service above self is a powerful example for all Rotarians.
The Board of Directors of Rotary International have selected Olayinka Hakeem Babalola as President for 2026-27. His term will begin on July 1, 2026.
A member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, President-Elect Yinka began his Rotary journey in 1988 as a Rotaractor. He joined the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi six years later. His leadership roles include serving as District Governor (2011-12), Rotary International Vice President (2019-20) and member of the Rotary International Board (2018-20).
He was also an active leader and participant in Rotary International committees such as the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee (2017-23) and the Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee (2013-present, adviser 2016-present).
This is a momentous occasion for both Rotary and Africa. President-Elect Yinka's commitment to service, his professional expertise, and his dedication to The Rotary Foundation make him a powerful voice for our global network. We're proud to support him on this incredible journey!
Remembering and Celebrating African Leadership in Rotary
President-Elect Yinka will become the second African to serve as Rotary International President. The late Jonathan B. Majiyagbe served as Rotary International President in 2003-04 under the presidential theme Lend a Hand.
A lawyer by profession, Majiyagbe joined Rotary in 1967. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro and a past member of the Rotary Club of Kano. In addition to his term as Rotary International President, he served as a director, Rotary Foundation trustee, and trustee chair. He served on several committees, including the International PolioPlus Committee, the Nigeria PolioPlus Committee, and the Reach Out to Africa Committee.
Although Sam Owori passed on while serving as Rotary International President-Elect, his dream of service lives on. Owori died unexpectedly on July 14, 2017, due to complications from surgery. His term as Rotary’s 108th president would have begun on July 1, 2018.
Sam was a member of the Rotary Club of Kampala, Uganda for 38 years. Under his leadership, the number of clubs in Uganda swelled from nine to 89 over the course of 29 years.
We honor the legacies of the late Jonathan Majiyagbe and the late Sam Owori, African leaders who served Rotary International with distinction. Their service exemplifies the best of Rotary, inspiring us to build a better world. Africa's leaders have made an indelible mark at Rotary International and their dedication to service above self is a powerful example for all Rotarians.