Patience Leonard, PBA Journalism MenteeRota-UNN, an organisation, said to enhance youths’ personal development through a framework of network and friendship, on March 19, 2022 held its grand event at the Princess Alexandria Auditorium of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
With over 37 years of operation in Nigeria, Rota-UNN is recognized as one of the oldest Rotaract clubs in West Africa. It belongs to District 9142 of Enugu State, and branched to Zone 6 of the state.
The event was the annual ritual of installing a new head, alongside its board of directors as well as the induction of new members into the club at UNN. The 37th President of the Rotaract Club of UNN, Rotaractor (Rtr.) John Obiora Ifeanyichukwu a Paul Harris fellow, was installed alongside his board of directors.
Notwithstanding the ongoing strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which unscheduled academic and non-academic activities, over 80 students of the university joined the club as new members. They graced the occasion in a white-on-black, with a touch of red attire, making them distinct from archival rotaractors.
Parent of the President, Mr Officha I. Obiora, a native of Amawbia in Anambra State, said he was ‘‘stupefied. Honestly, I did not know he will get to this extent. Leaders are born and not made. From the look of things, he wiped out my tears. When I hugged him on stage, I personally told him ‘You make me proud.’
“He lost his mother, my wife at a very tender age. I held back my tears throughout the programme because I couldn’t imagine my wife being here to see this. I’m grateful to God.
“John is resolute and focused. He doesn’t mince words, he goes directly to the point of an issue or talk. Not minding that he’s a young man, the guy’s contributions are always outstanding.
“Since his primary school at St. Bridget’s primary School, Aba, he has always been involved in service. I believe he took after his late mum on this because she loved things like this.”
“How I wish she was alive to witness this, Mr Obiora said holding back tears.
Furthermore, he said: ‘‘I argued with him initially…that mixing academics with this would be quite cumbersome and distracting. But to my utmost surprise, his results were quite good. My son works hard.”
What could be so special about the club that made it defy the odds?
Rotaract Club is a service-based organisation established on March 13, 1968 in Charlotte North Carolina, United States. With Rotary International as parent body, the Rotaract Club is uniquely reserved for younger membership of age 18 and above.
The organization is portrayed as one that encourages and upholds high ethical standards among youths. The established norm of the organization is guided by a “four-way test of things we think, say or do”, propounded by Herbert J. Taylor in 1932.
The four-way test are:
- Is it the truth?
- Is it fair to all concerned?
- Will it build goodwill and better friendship?
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
One of its areas of focus in supporting the environment was clearly demonstrated in the university’s main campus during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Many stationary refuse bins were situated in strategic locations within the environment to minimize indiscriminate waste dumping. Yet, on March 16, 2022, a student of the institution was awarded a scholarship, among many others.
The 36th President of the club, Rtr. Mbanugo Johnbosco, encouraged the new President to ‘take the journey and make it a wonderful one.’
He boasted that Rotaract Club of UNN had a more organized leadership system than other political bodies. According to him, it is a flawless system. He cited how a president as a rule must serve three years before his own actual tenure. He first serves as President-nominee, President-elect and then the President.
He revealed the club does not entertain the word ‘challenges’ but rather see it as lesson. He added: “This is the best platform to learn about personal development.”
A number of persons, however, view the club as one form of cult society with allusion to their code of conduct, exorbitant attires, spending culture and their entertainment spree.
Rotaract’s spending and finance structure is termed ‘smiling to charity’ where all money are remitted to the club’s purse. Prime Business Africa’s Journalism mentee who covered the Rotaract installation and induction programme at UNN observed that many intending Rotaractors were not at home with the way money was constantly being demanded from members for flouting any rule, an outrageous mode of operation for students not earning money.
Aso Jessica, a member, in a counter view argued that ‘‘smiling to charity is not a punishment but something we are proud to do. We use the money to help the less privileged. Smiling to charity is not a way to shun members but to encourage them and remind them of what they are in the club to do.’’
Asking further if all Rotaractors are privileged, she doggedly said “With the platform and voice that we have, we are privileged to be Rotaractors; if one is not able to smile to charity, as a family, we help him or her get the money.’’
In the words of Uchenna Ejiofor, “Many people think that Rotaract Club is a place where you come to flaunt whatever you have. No”
He disputed this assumption stating that Rotary-Rotaract is a family that teaches leadership skills, impact the society, thereby creating an enabling environment for younger generations to learn.
He continued: “Rotaract Club is not about money, new members should not see it as an opportunity to flaunt money. We are here to build leaders.”
The youth service director of the Club, Rtr. Iruemeka Onyinye, counselled the new members to, “Be you; Rotaract will help you build you”.
The first female Ethics, Privileges and Membership Chair of the club, Rtr. Uchechukwu U. Eze said her profound duty is in charge of anything membership and to ensure discipline among its members. This, she revealed, is done with assistance from other members of the Board of Directors.
“It takes lots of endurance. It takes more than just being you and willpower to become a President,’’ Rtr. Emeka Ogbonna implored the president.
Aso Jessica opined that the Club is still growing and has whatever any student would need to grow, modify or expand what he or she already has in store.
‘’Many persons have different reasons for joining the club ranging from friendship, personal growth and development, leadership development, citizenship in the community, continuing education, fun, prestige, citizenship in the world, assistance when traveling , cultural awareness and many more.’’
Another Rota-UNN named Amaechi Joshua, when asked why he joined the organisation, said: “I joined for specific reasons. Since I joined, I notice that I dress well and now instilled with the spirit of leadership.”
Another member named Kingsley Joseph said I’m very happy to be here because I have many resources to tap from.
I’m proud to say I’m a rotaractor from rotaract club of UNN Nsukka chapter.
Vivile rotaract ❤️