Nigerian engineer becomes second African to lead global humanitarian body, pledging stronger peacebuilding and development impact
Nigerian engineer and veteran humanitarian Olayinka Hakeem Babalola is set to assume office as President of Rotary International on 1 July 2026, marking a historic leadership moment as he becomes only the second African to head the global humanitarian organisation in its more than century-long history.
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Olayinka Babalola, a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, will oversee a worldwide network of more than 1.2 million members across over 45,000 clubs spanning nearly every country, during his one-year tenure at the helm of one of the world’s largest volunteer service organisations.
His emergence continues a significant legacy for Africa within Rotary International, following in the footsteps of the late Jonathan B. Majiyagbe, the first African and first Black African president of the organisation, who served in 2003–2004 and remains widely regarded as a transformative figure in Rotary’s global expansion.
In the lead-up to his inauguration, Olayinka Babalola emphasised the role of Rotary in fostering unity and service in a divided world, highlighting the organisation’s potential to build stronger communities through collaboration and shared purpose.
“Rotary gives people the opportunity not only to make a difference in their communities, but also to grow through meaningful relationships, collaboration, and a deeper appreciation of different perspectives,” Olayinka Babalola said.
He added that the organisation has a critical role in promoting peace and opportunity amid global uncertainty.
“At a time when many societies face division and uncertainty, I believe Rotary has an important role to play in building understanding, advancing peace, and creating opportunities for communities to thrive,” he said.
A key priority of his presidency will be strengthening Rotary’s long-standing humanitarian missions, including peacebuilding, disease prevention, education support and sustainable community development.
Olayinka Babalola is also expected to play a central role in the organisation’s global effort to eradicate polio, one of Rotary’s flagship commitments under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
Rotary International has contributed more than US$3 billion to the polio eradication campaign, helping immunise over three billion children and reduce global cases by 99.9 per cent, according to organisational records.
The incoming president has previously served on Rotary’s End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee and advised Nigeria’s National PolioPlus Committee.
Beyond public health, Rotary International has invested more than US$5.5 billion through The Rotary Foundation over the past century, supporting projects in clean water access, sanitation, education, maternal health, economic development and environmental protection.
Olayinka Babalola brings extensive private sector and development experience to the role, having spent over three decades in the oil and gas industry, including senior leadership positions at Shell PLC.
He later founded Riviera Technical Services Ltd. and Lead and Change Consulting, focusing on infrastructure development and executive leadership coaching.
His Rotary journey began in 1984 through Rotaract before he formally joined the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi in 1994, where he rose through various leadership positions. He currently serves as trustee of ShelterBox UK, Rotary’s disaster relief partner.
Over the years, he has received multiple honours within the organisation, including the Service Above Self Award and the Africa Centennial Heroes Award, reflecting his longstanding contribution to humanitarian service.
The appointment places Nigeria once again at the centre of Rotary International leadership, reinforcing the country’s growing influence within global civic and humanitarian networks.
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As he prepares to assume office, expectations are high that Olayinka Babalola’s presidency will bring renewed focus to peacebuilding, youth engagement and sustainable development initiatives across vulnerable communities worldwide.
