By Blessing Obi
Rotary District 9141 has channelled about N20 million in grassroots development projects in Bayelsa State says Rotarian Dr. Chibueze Anthony Olikagu.
Speaking at Sampou area of the LGA during a recent official flag-off of 1,000 insecticide-treated nets to households, Olikagu, who is a Rotary District Governor Nominee, revealed the scale of investment channeled into the state within just two years.
Representing the District Governor, Rotarian Chinedu Ikegwuani, at the event, Dr. Olikagu highlighted Rotary’s resolve to scale up humanitarian services across Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Edo States; the four states under District 9141’s jurisdiction.
He noted that the N20 million, drawn from The Rotary Foundation’s District Grants, had already funded various community-centered initiatives in Bayelsa.
Accordihg to him, they include the construction of a 9,000-litre borehole for Okutukutu Secondary School, improved classroom infrastructure at Mater Dei Secondary School in Imiringi, renovation of a chemistry lab in Tombia Ekpetiama, distribution of solar lanterns to students across Yenagoa, and university scholarships awarded to seven exceptional students from the state.
Ongoing projects include the renovation of a health center in Obogoro, remodeling of waste disposal points in Yenagoa, youth skill acquisition programmes, and the continued distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets aimed at curbing malaria infections. He added.
At the heart of the occasion was the warm reception by the people of Sampou, who gathered in their numbers to receive the malaria prevention kits. Their Paramount Ruler, HRH F.C.O Usikoromogha Amana-owei, represented by his deputy, Chief Bibetibiboyegha MacDonald, expressed deep appreciation to Rotary for what he described as a “timely and compassionate intervention,” while urging for more developmental projects in the area.
Dr. Olikagu lauded donors to The Rotary Foundation in Bayelsa State, with special recognition given to Governor Douye Diri, who he revealed is a third-level Major Donor and an indigene of Sampou. He emphasized that the fight against malaria remains urgent, noting that Nigeria records over 68 million cases annually, approximately 30 percent of the national population.
As a member of the Country Committee for Rotary’s Healthy Communities Challenge, Dr. Olikagu pledged continued advocacy and project expansion in the state and beyond.
He also commended the President of the Rotary Club of Yenagoa Towers, Rotarian Chijioke Omeje, and members of the club for conducting a successful community needs assessment and responding with projects that meet real and urgent needs.
With around 300 households represented at the insecticide treated net distribution ceremony, the event wasn’t just a flag-off. it was a celebration of impact, partnership, and a powerful reminder of what sustained community service can achieve when backed by vision, funding, and empathy.
