We are thrilled to share that Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, a distinguished member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, has been selected by the Rotary International Board of Directors to serve as President of Rotary International for the 2026-27 Rotary year, beginning 1 July 2026.
This appointment follows the resignation of President-elect SangKoo Yun, who stepped down to focus on recovery after recent cancer treatment. In accordance with Rotary’s Code of Policies, the Board convened a special session to appoint a leader with extensive Rotary experience and a proven record of service.
🌍 A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Babalola’s Rotary journey began in 1988 as a Rotaractor, and he joined the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi six years later. His leadership includes:
District Governor (2011-12)
RI Vice President (2019-20)
RI Director and Member of the RI Board (2018-20)
He has also been actively involved in committees such as the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee and the Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee, serving as adviser since 2016.
Professionally, Babalola is an attorney and engineer with over 25 years in the oil and gas industry, including senior roles at Shell PLC. He founded Riviera Services Ltd., focused on oil and gas infrastructure, and Lead and Change Consulting, providing executive coaching and organizational performance advisory services.
His contributions extend beyond Rotary. Babalola supports The Rotary Foundation as an Arch Klumph Society member and named endowment donor, serves as a trustee of ShelterBox UK, and is a director of the Safe Blood Africa project. He has received multiple awards, including the Africa Centennial Heroes Award, RI Service Above Self Award, and the Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World.
🤝 Strengthening Peace in Uganda
His engagement with the Positive Peace framework, developed in partnership with the Institute for Economics and Peace, has been instrumental in promoting peacebuilding initiatives in Uganda. Through his efforts, Rotary Peace Fellows have been trained to implement social change initiatives, fostering a practical understanding of peacebuilding in their communities.
🌟 Looking Ahead
As RI President, Babalola will lead the Board of Directors, inspire Rotary members worldwide, and promote Rotary’s mission of service, fellowship, and positive community impact.
District 9213 celebrates this historic appointment and looks forward to supporting President-elect Babalola as he continues to champion Rotary’s mission of service, fellowship, and community impact.
Congratulations, Rotarian Olayinka Hakeem Babalola!