Yinka Babalola will serve as Rotary International’s president for the Rotary year 2026-2027.
Ibim Semenitari, the Rotary Public Image Coordinator, Africa Zone 22, Region 27, said in a statement that Babalola’s emergence represents a historic moment, making him the second African and the second Nigerian to lead the world humanitarian organization.
The first was from 2003 to 2004, Jonathan Babatunde Majiyagbe.
Following SangKoo Yun’s resignation as a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, Babalola was chosen by the Rotary International Board of Directors to concentrate on his recovery from cancer treatment.
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On July 1, 2026, Balola will officially take office.
Six years after beginning as a Rotarian in 1988, he made his first appearance with Rotary in 1994.
His leadership journey has seen him serve as District Governor (2011-2012), Vice President of Rotary International (2019-2020), and a member of the RI Board (2018-2020).
He has also been a key advisor to the Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee and the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee, both of which he has been active on.
Babalola is a skilled professional who goes beyond Rotary.
He has more than 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, having worked for Shell PLC on four continents and been an attorney by training.
He founded Riviera Services Ltd. a business specializing in oil and gas infrastructure, and Lead and Change Consulting, a business providing executive coaching and advisory services.
His professional affiliations include those of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Safety Professionals, and the Association of Change Management Practitioners, according to the statement. He and his wife Preba reside in Port Harcourt, which is where he and his wife reside. He also belongs to the Jericho Business Club.
Babalola, a devoted Rotarian and philanthropist, is a member of the Arch Klumph Society and supports The Rotary Foundation. His work as a ShelterBox UK trustee and the Safe Blood Africa project is a part of his humanitarian legacy.
He has received numerous awards for his service, including the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service, the RI Service Above Self Award, and the Africa Centennial Heroes Award.
Source: Channels TV
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