Benin, Edo – In a vibrant and inspiring ceremony held on Sunday, the Rotary Club of Oregbeni, Benin City, officially installed Rotarian Samuel Erhinmwiorose as its 40th President for the 2025/2026 Rotary year.

The event, attended by distinguished Rotarians, community leaders, friends, and family, marked a new chapter for the club under the global theme of Rotary International President Mário César Martins de Camargo, "Unite for Good."

In his acceptance speech, President Erhinmwiorose expressed profound gratitude for the trust placed in him, emphasizing his commitment to lead with humility and purpose.

He outlined the club’s alignment with Rotary International’s three key pillars for the year: Innovation, Continuity, and Partnership.

“We don’t wait for change to happen; we make it happen,” he declared, echoing the call for Rotarians to be "People of Action."

President Erhinmwiorose highlighted the club’s recent achievements, including receiving a Certificate of Commendation from the District Governor of District 9141 for the timely payment of semi-annual Rotary International and District dues, as well as contributions to the District Rotary Foundation (DRF) and District Endowment Fund (DEEF).

The club also contributed ₦5.3 million to the Rotary Foundation and Polio Plus, underscoring its dedication to global service and the fight against polio.

The ceremony also welcomed three new members, boosting the club’s membership and diversity.

“We are growing—not just in numbers, but in impact,” President Erhinmwiorose noted, celebrating the club’s increasing influence in the community.

Setting a bold tone for his administration, President Erhinmwiorose pledged to make the Rotary Club of Oregbeni the most transparent and accountable in its history. He announced that financial statements would be presented at every fellowship, with members encouraged to request updates at any time.

“Gone are the days of opacity and misappropriation,” he stated, emphasizing a culture of integrity and organic membership aligned with Rotary’s values.

The club’s vision for 2025/2026 includes, recruiting diverse and passionate individuals to reflect the community’s vibrancy, leveraging storytelling and social media to showcase the club’s impact, increasing contributions to the Annual Fund and End Polio Now campaign, building on Rotary’s $23 billion investment in polio eradication.

Also, focusing on education, health, water and sanitation, youth empowerment, mental health awareness, and environmental preservation, as well as mentoring new members and aligning with Rotary’s long-term vision.

Quoting President de Camargo, Erhinmwiorose reminded attendees that Rotary’s greatest asset is its members—“the best-qualified team of volunteers on the planet.”

He urged the club to unite in action, building bridges and bringing hope to vulnerable populations.

The installation ceremony, filled with camaraderie and optimism, set an inspiring tone for the year ahead.

As the Rotary Club of Oregbeni embarks on this new journey under President Samuel Erhinmwiorose’s leadership, it remains committed to transforming lives and making a lasting impact in Benin City and beyond.