The event, characterised with much fanfare and jubilation, marked the ascension of Madam Rohey Kargbo as the new president of the Rotary Club of Banjul, who will be supported by Rotarian Dawda Ndure, Secretary, Rotarian Sheriff Grant, Treasurer, Rotarian Abdoulie Sowe, vice president, AG Amadou Njie, Project Chair, PP Sowe, Membership chair, PP Oba, International Affairs, PP Isatou M Bah, Foundation Chair, PAG Camara, SAA Rotarian Basamba, Club Admin IPP Lucky and Public Image Rotarian Kobi.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Rotarian President Madam Rohey Kargbo promised to uphold the good legacies of the club and propel it to higher heights, adding that she and her new administration would endeavour to turn the many challenges the club faces to opportunities in putting the club at the forefront of humanitarian services.
"This moment represents much more than a simple administrative transition for our club, it emboldens our shared commitment of rotary core values and mission of selfless services. Indeed, this year's theme: 'The Magic of Rotary', particularly resonates with us as Rotarians. Magic is the extraordinary ability that we all have to transform life, show hope where there have been despair, and to build bridges where there have been barriers. This end, rotary embodies this magic everyday through our local and international actions," stated the new president.
She added: “By accepting this role as President, I commit to continue this transition of magic as we continue to face complex challenges with unparallel opportunities to make meaningful difference in our communities and the world at large. Through our educational projects and health initiatives that prolong life or humanitarian actions that alleviate human sufferings, our commitments and services transcend borders and obstacles".
According to her, the availability of diverse expertise within the rank and file of the Rotary Club creates a unique opportunity for growth and development, noting that Rotarians have the wherewithal to transform challenges into opportunities, obstacles into success and dreams into tangible realities.
President Rohey Kargbo also promised that her administration would endeavour to rewrite the history of Rotary Club of Banjul, while extending special thanks to the outgoing administration and veteran Rotarians for all their dedication and commitment.
Rotarian Lucky O. Aigbokheabho, outgoing President of Rotary Club of Banjul, recounted that Rotary International was founded in 1905, with a staggering membership of 4.1 million people of diverse men and women, adding that these men and women are of different work background working together to create lasting change across the globe and in our communities and selves.
The outgoing president outlined that Rotary Club of Banjul has been in the forefront of initiating development projects in the country since it's inception in 1979, adding that the past years have earned the club lots of successes in delivering development projects as well with challenges that do not derail the club from achieving its mandate.
He highlighted that during the past year, Rotary Club of Banjul donated reading and writing materials to three schools, and twelve laptops and solar batteries to schools in Lamin through a sister organisation in Finland, adding that the Club also donated thirty-five laptops, one air conditioner and water dispenser to another school in Bakoteh among other donations.
Many other speakers who took the podium also delved into the importance and activities of the Rotary Club of Banjul including the provision of sanitary pads to students of the Gambia, while urging members to reaffirm their commitment through payment of membership dues.
