By Our Staff Reporter, Lokoja

Rotary is set to return to Kabba nearly three decades after the club became inactive, as a fresh revival campaign records early success with 22 prospective members indicating interest.

The initiative is being coordinated by the President of the Rotary Club of Lokoja-Metro, District 9126, Rtn. Omoladun Asabe Frank-Baiye.

She said the move is part of efforts to expand Rotary service across Kogi State and restore a vibrant Rotary presence in Kabba.

A recent sensitisation outing in Kabba brought together professionals and community leaders interested in the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self”. At the end of the engagement, about 22 individuals expressed interest in joining the renewed Rotary movement in the town.

The effort has received strong support from the Vice Chancellor of Kogi State University, Kabba, Prof. Kehinde Imisi Temitope Eniola, whose backing has helped in mobilizing academics, professionals and other stakeholders.

“This is about more than starting a club. Kabba once had a Rotary presence, and after almost three decades, we believe the time is right to reconnect the town with the Rotary family,” Rtn. Frank-Baiye said. 

“Our objective is to build a new generation of Rotarians who understand that membership is not just about belonging to an organisation, but about using your skills and resources to solve real problems in the community.”

The organizers clarified that the plan is not to establish a Rotary club inside the university. Instead, KSU is being used as a strategic platform to engage professionals, academics and other community-minded individuals for the broader campaign.

The proposed Rotary community in Kabba will bring together people from diverse backgrounds including academics, business owners, entrepreneurs, and public servants. 

Key areas of service identified include: education, healthcare, youth development, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, leadership, and environmental sustainability.

According to Rtn. Frank-Baiye, the next phase will focus on consolidating the interest generated, recruiting more members, and working with Rotary District 9126 structures for the formal re-establishment of a Rotary Club in Kabba.

“After almost 30 years without an active Rotary presence, Kabba is having a new conversation about Rotary. This time, the goal is not just to restore what existed, but to build a stronger and more purposeful Rotary community that will create lasting impact in Kabba and Kogi State,” she added.

The progress so far has been described by stakeholders as an encouraging start to a new chapter of Rotary service in the historic town.