Rotary District 9111 to Commission Peace Institute Building Donated to Olabisi Onabanjo University

Rotary International District 9111 is set to officially dedicate a newly constructed Peace Institute building, a donation to Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. The ceremony marks the culmination of a promise made less than a year prior, following the groundbreaking in September 2025.

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The event represents the fulfillment of a promise made less than a year ago when Rotary District 9111 broke ground for the construction of the Peace Institute Building.

District Governor Rotarian Prince Henry Akinyele stated that the event represents the fulfillment of a commitment to fostering peace and promoting dialogue. The groundbreaking ceremony was hailed as a significant milestone in Rotary's dedication to empowering future leaders to address conflict and security challenges. Akinyele described the institute as a symbol of collective goodwill and visionary leadership working towards a common purpose.

Built through a partnership between Rotary District 9111 and Olabisi Onabanjo University, the institute is designed as a center of excellence for peace education, research, conflict prevention, and community development. Its reach is intended to extend throughout Nigeria and the wider West African region.

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The Rotary Peace Institute stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and collective goodwill come together for a common purpose.

The journey to this dedication has been marked by consistent efforts, starting with the launch of a Certificate Course in Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies. This program, initiated by Immediate Past District Governor Rotarian Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi, has successfully equipped students, community leaders, security personnel, and civil society actors with practical skills in conflict management, mediation, and peacebuilding. Graduates have become advocates for peace, contributing to social cohesion and sustainable development.

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The dedication of this Peace Institute’s Centre is more than the commissioning of a building. It is the fulfillment of a vision, the realization of a promise, and the beginning of a new chapter in our collective pursuit of peace, justice, and human development.

Past Assistant Governor Tunde Olaniyan, Chairman of the Peace Building and Conflict Prevention Committee, described the dedication as a defining moment for the district and a testament to Rotary's commitment to peace. He emphasized that the institute is more than just a building; it signifies the realization of a vision and the commencement of a new chapter in the pursuit of peace, justice, and human development, aiming to nurture leaders who will champion peaceful coexistence and positive change.

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This institute will continue to nurture leaders who will champion peaceful coexistence and positive change across our communities.