Three new members of the Rotary Club of Banjul were over the weekend inducted as Rotarians and official members of the Rotary Club of Banjul.
The induction was held to increase the membership of the club and its mandate in serving the community.
The new inductees to the club were Rotarian Fabian Akaneme B.Sc.FCII, Rotarian Abdoulie Drammeh and Rotarian Oluminde.
In his welcome remarks at the induction ceremony, the president of the Club, Rotarian Paul Odimm Ejwa, welcomed the new inductees to the club, saying introducing the members to the club would increase the mandate of the club as the old ones “are retiring”, hence they hope that the younger ones would take over the initiatives in the future.
He added that the Rotary Club of Banjul is an affiliated Gambian chapter of Rotary Club International (RCI) founded in Banjul in 1979.
Currently, the biggest charitable fundraising organization in the world, RCI focuses on community-based development projects, such as educational scholarship programmes, among others.
“It’s a club of professional people and high-profile business personalities,” he said, adding that to become a member one must belong to this group of personalities.
“You must also be invited by a member of the club, regularly attending and contributing to weekly meetings in order to become inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of Banjul and that qualifies you as an affiliated member of the Rotary International.”
Rotarian Odimm Ejwa further said the club expects the new inductees to deliver to expectations, as they look up to other members to improve and enhance the objectives of the club.
“We are known for being givers and not receivers; therefore, whatever you give belongs to you because it goes back to the community,” he noted.
He urged the new inductees to be prudent and productive members of the club, as well as to help serve the community, hold the obligations and principles of the club actively for a collective development.
Speaking on behalf of the inductees, Rotarian Fabian Akaneme, who doubles as the General Manager for Gamstar Insurance Company (IGI), expressed his satisfaction for being among the inductees of the Rotary Club of Banjul.
He said Rotarians are known for hospitality by giving and serving the community and, therefore, promised to leave up to expectations as they assist the less privileged for a collective development.
Rotarian Oluminde, who is an artiste by profession, and a former chief examiner at the West African Examinations Council (WEAC), echoed similar sentiments.
His expressions were followed by a presentation of a beautiful painting on behalf of his fellow inductees to Rotarian past President Mathew P. Ndure for his selfless support and dedication to the club, especially towards the induction ceremony.
Prospective doctor Momodou A.I. Tekanyi also expressed delight for being part of the club, noting that it is a privilege for him as he had been anticipating being part of the givers.
“I am, therefore, looking forward to also be inducted some day because my aim is to serve as a peace ambassador to Rotary International worldwide,” he said.
Therefore, he stated, he was optimistic that being part of the club would strengthen his efforts and fulfill his dream of serving the community.
The ceremony was in the form of a reception graced by Rotarians, friends and family members of the inductees held at the St Peters and St Paul Hall along the Bertil Harding Highway in Bakau.
