The newly installed President of Rotary Club of Grand Bonny, Sotonye Wilcox has called on leaders in diverse aspects of the society to provide ‘irresistible leadership’ to the people they are opportuned to lead.

Wilcox, a seasoned and celebrated educationist, was installed President of Rotary Club of Grand Bonny on Saturday, August 3, 2024 in Bonny, Rivers State.

Her predecessor, Diepiri Ezekiel-Hart, assisted by other leaders in Rotary District 9141, performed the installation ceremony, which had the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Bonny LGA, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, her husband and Chairman of Bonny Chief Council (BCC), Se-Alabo Lt. Col. Dagogo Claude-Wilcox, and other members of the BCC in attendance.  

Other Chiefs in attendance were Se-Alabo Reginald Hart, Se-Alabo Benjamin Ada-Allison, Se-Alabo Elliot Jim-Halliday, and Se-Alabo Abel Attoni, as well as a former Commissioner for Finance in the State, Amaopusenibo Israel Williams.

In her inaugural speech, Wilcox asserted that leaders have to be intentional about leading their people in the direction of progress and value addition, assuring that Rotary in Bonny will see better days under her watch, expressing her gratitude for the honour done her by her colleagues.

“Our goal this year is to increase membership and carry out projects to cover our seven areas of focus which are peace and conflict prevention, disease prevention, water and sanitation, maternal and child healthcare, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, and to care for environment.”  

She expressed appreciation to her colleague presidents who graced the occasion and her predecessor for an inspiring tenure in office, stating that her leadership stride aligns with that of Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchicko, who she said “we should lead in an irresistible way and not just by saying abracadabra and waving our magic wand”.

She called on members to proffer “ideas and financial support in carrying out projects in line with this areas of focus”, saying “little drops of water make a mighty ocean. You can pay your widow’s might into the cloud account”.

She praised the awardees at thee event, reminding them that the awards are a recognition of their hard work and dedication, stressing that the awards are “a symbol of success and a motivator to continue achieving great things. Awards signify that you have not only reached your goals but have inspired others along the way”.

CTC Chairman of Bonny LGA, Anengi Claude-Wilcox joined the crème-de-la-crème of Bonny society to unveil a book: “Memoirs of A Rotarian Soldier”, written in celebration of the inspiring career path of her husband and Chairman of Bonny Chiefs Council Se-Alabo Dagogo Soala Claude-Wilcox, MON.

She commended the revered traditional ruler and retired soldier for being a hero both at home and in the line of duty, noting that soldiers of his genre who exude passionate dedication to their fatherland and principled patriotism were rare, urging the present crop of service men and women to emulate his sterling qualities.

According to a review of the book, the Memoir chronicles the story of a man who despite losing his mother at a very young age did not sway in his pursuit for greatness and today stands tall as a pioneer Director of Army Public Relations, ex-ambassador to three countries, Chairman of Bonny Chiefs Council, father, husband and mentor.

In his valedictory speech, outgoing President of Rotary Club of Grand Bonny, Diepiri Ezekiel-Hart thanked his colleagues for their support during his tenure, asserting that whatever successes achieved during the outgoing dispensation was consequent upon their collective efforts, assuring that his passion for service in Rotary is relentless.  

The days event had significant highlights such as light music and dance, award presentations, sumptuous refreshment and delectable guests.