On Saturday July 14, 2018, Rotarian Nwigwe Solomon Nwigwe was, amid fanfare and celebrations, installed the 34th President of Rotary Club of Eziukwu-Aba, Abia State. It was a joyful congregation of friends, business and political associates, opinion leaders and stakeholders, admirers and well-wishers who thronged in large numbers to witness and participate in the colourful ceremony that heralded and hallmarked the event.

As clearly stipulated and entrenched in its set of objectives, Rotary Club traditionally encourages and fosters the ideal of service as a basis of engendering development, and acquaintances as an opportunity for service. It also promotes high ethical standards in business and professions, application of the ideal of service and the advancement of international understanding of goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in service.

Though a non-political organisation, Rotary, through defined activities, encourages all that is synonymous to good citizenship and the election of good men and women into public office. It champions activities that directly exemplify charity as well as sacrifices that ultimately enhance humanity.

These are reasons Rotarians globally channel unquantifiable commitment to service that makes the Club unique and strong; vocational service that promotes integrity, contributes expertise to problems and needs of society, community service that encourages Rotarians to find ways to improve the quality of life for people in their communities and to serve the public interest and youth service that recognises the importance of empowering youths and young professionals through leadership development programmes.

Nwigwe’s disposition to philanthropy and commitment to giving back to the society were essentiallyinstruments of attraction that lured him into joining the Rotary. A graduate of Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) in Agricultural Economics and Extension, post-graduate Diploma (PGD) in Environmental Resources Management from Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, Israel and an MBA from Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nwigwe also holds a Master's degree in Environmental Resource Management from Federal University of Technology, Yola, even as he is currently a doctoral student of Environmental Resource Management at Abia State University, Uturu, the unassuming but strong-willed Amaise Umuokereke-Ngwa, Obingwa Local Government-born business man and Chairman/CEO of Sainana Group of Companies, has demonstrated an adorable passion and desire to give back to the society, appreciable percentage of returns from his hard-work, doggedness and entrepreneurial ingenuity.

Through his non-governmental organization (NGO), Solomon Nwigwe Foundation (SNF), an organisation focused on uplifting the down-trodden in the society, Nwaigwe has on annual basis provided food, materials and funds to motherless babies’ homes, orphanages, churches, HIV/AIDS support groups and widows.

The foundation also conducts exams across local schools and adopts students who display appreciablelevel of intelligence; provides take-off grants and financial support to intending entrepreneurs, with many of them doing well in their chosen business engagements.

As a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Eziukwu-Aba and a major donor, who has attended several international conventions, Nwigwe has served in several committees in District 9140 and in the new District 9142. He is a member of the polio committee.

He meritoriously served as head of the finance sub-committee for the installation of the pioneer District Governor 9142, and HOC chair, Rotary Foundation and Rotary Plus Seminar held in Aba in 2017. He is a recipient of meritorious service awards from the District 9140 for the 2015/2016 Rotary year.

As an avid lover of sports and passionate tennis player, Nwaigwe served creditably as Chairman Adamawa Tennis Association for a record seven years. He is also a ranking member of Abuja Country Club, Yola Tennis Club, Aba Sports Club and Abia State Cycling Federation.

On his installation, the Rotarian who described himself as a “child of parents of modest means” acknowledged that he saw the world from a place of real struggle: trekking long distances just to get proper education besides long grueling hours at the farm.

His words: "I have made it this far due to the love I have enjoyed from people I met along the way of this journey called life. It is that trait we in Rotary project out to the world, which is in dire need of love, mutual understanding and peace.

"Coming into Rotary opened my eyes to the benefits and fulfillment that come from doing what we do and it has become my life's work and way of life. My installation today is just another chapter in the inspiring story the Rotary Club of Eziukwu-Aba is writing in the space we have found ourselves.”

Nwigwe was, indeed, emphatic when he assured on focusing on Rotary Club’s six avenues of service: Maternal and child health, Basic education/literacy, Water and sanitation, Disease prevention/treatment, Peace and conflict resolution, and Economic and community development.

While felicitating with Nwigwe, the Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, also a second level major donor of Rotary, described his brother as one living a “life of service and benevolence.”

Ikpeazu noted: “For those of us who have known you over the years, charity and philanthropy come naturally to you. You live a life of service and benevolence, and you are always looking for how you can contribute your quota towards making this world a better place. No wonder the good Lord has seen it fit to bless you abundantly.

“Your life outlook tallies perfectly with the stated goals and objectives of the Rotary Club of Nigeria. I have no doubt that you will make a great President of Rotary Club of Eziukwu.”

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, was not left out in pouring encomiums on Nwaigwe, describing his choice as a call to greater service to God and humanity.

“Your choice, which was painstakingly and dispassionately done, speaks to the trust and confidence Rotarians in Eziukwu-Aba have in you. Your choice as the 34th president to steer the ship of affairs of Rotary Club of Eziukwu is a call to greater service to God and humanity, in the spirit of Rotary International.”

•Uzoukwa, a seasoned journalist and PR practitioner, is currently pursuing his Doctorate Degree on Mass Communication in Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri.

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