Encomiums, pomp, fun at investiture of Rotarian Agbontaen as President, Rotary Club, Asokoro

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Chairman of the occasion, Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Carex, Dr. Adelana Olamilekan, left, President of Rotary Club Asokoro, Rotarian Dr. Adesuwa Agbontaen and immediate past President, Rotarian Ebele Ezezue-Israel, right

By Anthony Maliki, Abuja

The formal investiture of Rotarian Dr. Adesuwa Agbontaen as President of Rotary Club of Asokoro in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) took place at an impressive ceremony on Sunday.

The investiture ceremony at the well-decorated Decency Event Center, Unique World Garden, Wuse Zone 5, was spiced with good music, assorted menu and exchange of pleasantries.

After taking over as the 23rd President of Rotary Club of Asokoro, Rotarian Agbontaen appealed for support from all noting that he cannot lead alone.

He said he joined Rotary Club because he believes in service above self stressing he has seen first hand, how the club has made a difference in the community and the world.

Rotarian Agbontaen, however, said there is still more to be done. “There are still many challenges and opportunities that await us.”

He expressed gratitude for the honour and outlined his goals for the club, including projects on medical and eye care, sanitation, girl and boy child empowerment, maternal and child care, mental health, cataract outreach, classroom and toilet renovations for schools and many others.

He emphasized the importance of working together to make these goals a reality.

Dr. Agbontaen urged Rotary members to offer hope to those affected by mental health challenges and physical and mental health issues due to the pandemic, poverty, conflict, and other factors.

He said creating hope can be achieved by providing access to quality healthcare, clean water, sanitation, nutrition, and education for everyone.

The Immediate Past President of Rotary Club Asokoro, Rotarian Ebele Ezezue-Israel spoke about some achievements in the last 12 months of her tenure.

It was in her Imagine Rotary year that 100 eye glasses were given and 30 Cataract Surgeries were carried out on the indigents free of charge.

The chairman of the occasion, Managing Director/ CEO of Zenith Carex, Dr. Adelana Olamilekan, urged for support for the newly invested President whom he has known for 23 years.

Some personalities honoured at the investiture included the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transport, Dr. (Mrs) Magdalene Ajani, Sarah Ashley-Dejo, Dr. Amadi Uzoma and Dr. Necca Opara.
Others are Rotarian Dominic Ifidon, Engineer Kingsley Oriaku, former Chief of Army Staff, Ambassador Lt.-General Tukur Buratai and Engineer Rafiu Badru Abdul, Dr. Ime Etuk, Rotarian Christian Uchendu, Dr. Sunday Idoko Shaidu, former President of presidents, Engineer Emeka Iloegbunam, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ekwe Ibas (rtd), Dr. Obinna Awiaka .among others.

Dr. Agbontaen: A brief profile

Dr. Adesuwa Agbontaen is a highly experienced optometrist who started his career in Kaduna State, Nigeria, before moving to Abuja and opening his own practice, Alpha Zone Eye Clinic Ltd, in 2003.

He has a passion for community eye care and has worked with various NGOs to provide free eye care services and surgical outreaches across Nigeria.

Dr. Agbontaen is also a member of the Rotary International and currently serves as the President of the Rotary Club of Asokoro.

In his role, he aims to create hope in the world by focusing on projects related to medical and eye care, sanitation, girl and boy empowerment, maternal and child care, mental health, and more.

He believes that together, they can make a difference and achieve their goals.

Dr. Agbontaen is a well-traveled professional who earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Benin in 1984.

He has worked with various organizations and NGOs to provide free eye care services and surgical outreaches, especially in the northern part of Nigeria.

He is currently the President of the Guild of Optometric Directors Nigeria and a lecturer at the Department of Optometry Bingham University, Karu, Nassarawa State.

Dr. Agbontaen is the President of the Rotary Club of Asokoro.