The President of Rotary International Club, Awka Metropolis District 9140, Dr. Dennis Ekemezie, has disclosed the club’s plans to partner with the State Government on community development for the 2014/2015 rotary year.

Such partnership, according to him, will include education in the rural areas through the provision of exercise books to school children, quiz competition, debates and sports, as well as enlightenment programme on the harmful effects of drug abuse.

“We will work with SUNMAP and the Ministry of Health to facilitate distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets to rural communities and schools and engage in water and sanitation projects like construction of toilet facilities with over head tanks,” he said.

Speaking after being installed as the 4th President of the club in Awka District, Ekemezie noted that Rotary Club is one of the oldest voluntary philanthropic organisations out of the over 34,558 voluntary clubs in the world. He pointed out that membership of the club offers one the opportunity to render selfless service to his community, thereby impacting positively on the people in particular and society at large.

Ekemezie called on wealthy Anambra people to support Rotary club in giving a helping hand to the less privileged.

The ceremony witnessed the award of Paul Harris Fellowship given to prominent citizens of the state. The recipients included the governorship candidate of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) in the November 16, 2013 governorship election, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo; Igwe Chidubem Iweka of Obosi Kingdom; Dr. Uchechukwu Ezeokafor of AHOCOL; Dr. Ebele Okigbo, Senior lecturer in the Department of Science Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; and Mr. Anthony Nwaokolobia.

The Distinguished Professional Excellence Award was confered on Mike Omeri, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), while the Distinguished Community Service Award went to Miss Chinwe Ononye, Deputy Director News, Radio Nigeria Enugu Zonal Office. Also recognised were 13 staff reporters of Radio Nigeria Purity FM 102.5, Awka, for community reporting.

The installation ceremony attracted personalities such as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, who was the Special Guest of Honour; Igwe Eze Iweka III of Obosi; Igwe Chidubem Iweka; Dr. Peter Ejikeme, Prof. Nkemdilim Nnonyelu, Mr. Emeka Onuorah, Njikoka Council Chairman, among other personalities.