Dear Sisters in Inner Wheel,
On behalf of the National Governing Body of Inner Wheel Clubs in Nigeria, I welcome you all to this New Inner Wheel Year 2020-2021 with the THEME - Lead the CHANGE.
As you are aware, we belong to an international women's organization that promotes Friendship, Service and Understanding. We are almost the largest women’s service voluntary organization in the world, active in more than 104 countries with over 108,000 members in almost 4,000 clubs. From this first day of the Inner Wheel year, we shall continue our operations in 6 Districts, namely, D911, 913, 914, 912, 910 and 916 in Nigeria, all with a total membership of 1,231 in 87 Clubs. There is no doubt that the last Inner Wheel year had been an exciting one, despite the pandemic still ravaging. Be that as it may, I strongly believe that this new Inner Wheel year would be great and outstanding. Success would however, not come on a platter of gold unless we do what we know how to do best, that is, Take Responsibilities and Serve with Passion. On the COVIC-19 pandemic, I hope and pray that the situation will soon be relegated to history.
THE THEME FOR THE YEAR "LEAD THE CHANGE" IIW President – Dr. Bina Vyas is reminding us that very soon in 2024 we shall be celebrating a Century of Service and Friendship. The theme is unique and it’s is a wakeup call to members to think ahead in setting goals, targeting membership growth and in many other avenues of service for our various clubs. It is our responsibility to effect the changes in having our own organization’s strategic plans and goals. In the last 96 years, times have changed and we need to keep pace with the changing times as we look forward to the Centennial celebration. THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL PROJECT 2018-2021 is “CARING FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS” Women are more likely than men to be exposed to oppression, hunger, inadequate healthcare and being victims of violence. We need to ensure that the basic needs of women and girls are met for their wellbeing and secured future.
INNER WHEEL CONVENTION The 18th IIW CONVENTION is still scheduled for 3rd – 6th March, 2021 at Jaipur, India. It would be a wonderful experience to meet up with old friends and make new ones. Besides the friendship, we have the chance to make some changes to the IIW Constitution which will help our organization to grow and serve better.
2020-2021 INNER WHEEL RALLY The next Inner Wheel Rally is billed for February 4th -7th, 2021 in Lagos. My dear sisters, all hands must be on deck to make it a successful and memorable event.
To my 2020-2021 NGB Officers, I welcome you all to this year of Lead the Change which promises to be the BEST it can ever be. With our current caliber of dutiful and dynamic ladies, the sky is the limit. I strongly believe you will perform excellently well.
DISTRICT CHAIRMEN My dear District Chairmen, you are now occupying the highest office in your District and you have a key role to play in creating enthusiasm and making all your functions interesting, informative and enjoyable. Make each member feel special and regarded as a stake holder. I wish you and your officers the best, as you pilot the affairs of the District to loftier heights.
CLUB PRESIDENTS My dear sisters, I always regard your position as the most important in Inner Wheel. The club and its members are the greatest asset to our organization, as you and your members exhibit the main objective of Inner Wheel, which is SERVICE. Your leadership qualities must help to motivate all the members to serve and work for the less privileged.
I appeal to all Inner Wheel members to find active ladies to join our wonderful organization so that our growth is improved upon and sustained. The Inner Wheel Year 2020-2021 starts today, 1st July 2020. I wish you all a great year as we continue to stay well and safe. God bless INNER WHEEL the World over!!!
Yours in true Friendship,
Funmi Ajose
Rotary came to Nigeria in 1961 with the formation of a club in Kano in April, and another in Lagos in May in 1966, the first lnner Wheel Club in Nigeria was formed in Lagos with Mrs. Deji Alakija as its Charter President in 1969. The second Club was lnner Wheel Club of lkeja, its Charter Certificate was presented by the lnternational lnner Wheel President Mrs. Marjorie Foster: The third Club was formed in 1980 in Kano, from 1982, many Clubs were formed in rapid succession and presently there are about 53 active Clubs in Nigeria with 636 members nationwide. The growth of Rotary extended to lnner Wheel in formation of Districts. District 911 emerged in 1984/85 with Mrs. Adeola Majiyagbe as its first District Chairman. District 912 had Mrs. Beatrice Agama as its first District Chairman in 1984/85 with PBM Bisi Solaru in Distric 911 Both Districts had the honour of Mrs. Doris Browne, the then lnternational President at their inaugurations. To date there are 6 District 911, 913, 914 and the newest district 910.
