Rotary Club Of Omole-Golden President, JIDE OGUNLEYE i
In a bold and heartwarming display of philanthropy, the President of the Rotary Club Omole-Golden, Rotarian Jide Ogunleye, shaved off his beard of ten years to raise N5 million for the Rotary Foundation. The fundraising event, which coincided with his birthday, drew a large crowd of supporters, well-wishers, and fellow Rotarians eager to witness the transformation for a worthy cause.
Ogunleye shared that the idea for this unique initiative was inspired by a past district governor from the United States, whom he met at the Rotary International Convention in Australia in 2023. Reflecting on their conversation about leadership and fundraising, he recalled the governor’s words: “Make fundraising fun. Involve people. Make it an experience.” These words resonated with him and eventually led to this impactful decision.
Speaking at the event, the Rotary Club president, Ogunleye, recounted how the vision took shape. “At a retreat in April 2024 in Agbara, I made a bold declaration before my club: I would shave my beard for the Rotary Foundation. This beard has been a part of me for a decade, but today, it becomes a tool for impact.”
His statement underscored the essence of Rotary’s mission—turning personal sacrifices into meaningful contributions for humanity.
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Rotary District Governor 9111, Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi, praised Ogunleye’s initiative, describing it as a true act of selflessness. “He’s doing this for the Rotary Foundation, which supports humanitarian projects worldwide. It takes a kind heart to give a part of yourself for the greater good.”
Past Assistant Governor, Ezinne Obioha, also lauded the effort, calling it a “sacrificial and strategic” approach to raising funds for the less privileged. She emphasized Ogunleye’s kindness and dedication to humanitarian causes.
Rotarian Mercy Georgie-Igbafe, a tech professional, commended Ogunleye’s creativity, describing the initiative as “service to humanity at its finest.” She added, “This innovative fundraising idea will go down in history as an inspiring example of leadership and generosity. It reminds us all to live intentionally and ensure that our actions create lasting impact.”
The initiative of the serves as a powerful reminder that philanthropy does not always require grand gestures—sometimes, a simple yet creative act can mobilize support and make a lasting difference. His fundraising success highlights the power of innovation, community involvement, and the spirit of giving that defines Rotary International.
As the N5 million raised goes towards supporting humanitarian projects, Ogunleye’s beardless transformation stands as a testament to the limitless potential of selfless service.
