By Akpos Oghenetega,
The Rotary Club of Ughelli Metropolis, District 9141, has installed Rotarian Akpobome Rufus Ibebe as its 18th President for the 2026/2027 Rotary year, with a commitment to expand humanitarian interventions and community development initiatives across Ughelli and neighbouring communities.
The colourful investiture ceremony, held at Wetland Hotel, Ughelli, drew an impressive gathering of Rotarians, government officials, traditional leaders, business executives, civil society actors and other stakeholders. Dignitaries at the event included Senator representing Delta Central, Senator Ede Dafinone, represented by a delegation; the member representing Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency, Rev. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, represented by Chief Bunor Agbomedarho; the member representing Ughelli North Constituency I, Hon. Matthew Omonade; Assistant Governor, Rotary International District 9141, Rotarian Emmanuel Estano; District PolioPlus Chair, Rotarian Kenneth Okpehainor; community leader Okakuro Akpókóna Omafuaire; Dr. Oke Hezx Idawene; and Publisher of Advocate Newspaper, Comrade Shedrack Onitsha, among other notable guests.
In his inaugural address, President Ibebe thanked members of the club for the confidence reposed in him and pledged purposeful, transparent and inclusive leadership. He unveiled an ambitious programme of projects for the Rotary year, including the installation of Rotary Wheels at strategic locations, an annual science quiz competition for secondary schools, education support through the donation of desks and learning materials, community health outreaches, and environmental sustainability campaigns anchored on tree planting and public awareness.
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Rotarian Akpobome Rufus Ibebe installed as the 18th President, Rotary club Ughelli Metropolis[/caption]
He reaffirmed the club's commitment to Rotary's core areas of focus, including peacebuilding, disease prevention, maternal and child health, basic education, environmental protection and economic empowerment, while calling on individuals, corporate organisations and development partners to support the club's humanitarian mission.
Speakers at the event congratulated the new president and expressed confidence in his capacity to advance the club's legacy of service. They pledged their support towards the successful execution of the projects outlined for the year.
The ceremony also featured the induction of new members, presentation of awards to distinguished individuals and organisations for their contributions to society, goodwill messages, cultural performances and a fundraising session to support the club's community service programmes. The club reaffirmed its resolve to continue delivering impactful interventions that improve lives and strengthen communities across Delta State.
