TheCable

Shekhar Mehta, Rotary International president, has commended initiatives by members of the group to reduce cervical cancer in Nigeria.

Speaking on Thursday, in Lagos, during his official visit to the country, Mehta urged Rotarians in District 9110, comprising members from Lagos and Ogun states, to redouble their efforts in touching lives in their various communities.

The international president, who observed the vaccination of secondary school girls against cervical cancer at the Rotary Centre, said the scourge of the disease is real.

He added that members should focus more on empowering girls and ensuring their access to education, resources, services and opportunities so that future generations of women leaders will have the tools they need to succeed.

Secondary school girls being vaccinated against cervical cancer at the Lagos Rotary centre

Mehta, accompanied by his wife, Rashi, and Yinka Babalola, former Rotary International vice-president, said he was delighted to see excellent and impactful projects by members of the district.

He noted that participating in service projects through Rotary changed him and made him empathise more with the needs of others.

Also, Mehta said there is a need for Rotarians to grow by introducing more people into the organisation.

“One of the biggest places where the growth of Rotary lies is in Africa. If there is one place where the growth can be highest, it is Nigeria. I’m very happy today to step in Nigeria,” Mehta said.

“If we grow more by adding more members, we would be able to also do more projects and save more lives.”

In his remarks, Remi Bello, governor of Rotary International District 9110, said members of the district were excited and honoured to host the international president.

He said Mehta’s activities in Nigeria were carefully chosen in line with his aim of enhancing health and education for the girl-child, membership retention and expansion as well as care for the environment.