Yinka Babalola to Lead Rotary International in 2026/27

Rotary International has announced that Nigerian Rotarian Olayinka Hakeem Babalola will serve as President for the 2026/2027 Rotary year. His selection is a historic achievement, making him only the second African — and second Nigerian — to hold the highest office in Rotary. The first was the late Jonathan Babatunde Majiyagbe, who served in 2003/2004.

Babalola, a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, was chosen by the Rotary International Board of Directors following the resignation of SangKoo Yun, who stepped down to focus on recovery. He will formally assume office on July 1, 2026.

A Distinguished Rotary Journey

Rtn. Babalola began his Rotary story as a Rotaractor in 1988 and became a Rotarian in 1994. Over three decades of service, he has held several leadership positions including:

• District Governor, 2011/12

• RI Board Member, 2018/20

• Vice President, Rotary International, 2019/20

He has also contributed actively to Rotary’s global initiatives, notably through the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee and the Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee, where he continues to serve as an adviser.

Professional Excellence

Beyond Rotary, Babalola is both an engineer and attorney, with more than 25 years of experience in the oil and gas sector. He held senior leadership roles with Shell PLC across four continents, and today leads two companies he founded:

• Riviera Services Ltd., specializing in oil and gas infrastructure

• Lead and Change Consulting, focused on executive coaching and advisory services

His affiliations include the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Safety Professionals, and the Association of Change Management Practitioners. He is also a member of the Jericho Business Club in Port Harcourt, where he resides with his wife, Preba.