Rotary Club of Gateway City (Passport): A New Generation of Rotary Without Borders

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Rotary Club of Gateway City (Passport): A New Generation of Rotary Without Borders



In a time when connection defines impact, the Rotary Club of Gateway City stands as a bold symbol of Rotary’s evolution in Nigeria and beyond. Proudly recognized as the second Passport Rotary Club in Nigeria and the first of its kind in Rotary District 9111, the club represents a modern, flexible, and globally connected approach to service.

Chartered by the distinguished Rotary Club of Abeokuta Metropolitan, the birth of this innovative club was not accidental — it was intentional, visionary, and mission-driven. The club was brought to life through the dedication and forward-thinking leadership of Assistant Governor (Dr.) Titilope Easy Adeniran and Past Assistant Governor Dayo Niyi-Idowu, two Rotarians passionate about expanding Rotary’s reach beyond traditional boundaries.

A Rotary Club Without Walls

The Rotary Club of Gateway City is built on the Passport Rotary model, which allows members to participate in service and fellowship across different clubs and geographies while maintaining a strong home-club identity. This model attracts professionals and leaders whose schedules, careers, or locations might limit participation in conventional weekly meetings — yet whose commitment to service remains strong.

True to its name, Gateway City is a gateway not only to service, but to international collaboration. The club’s charter membership reflects Rotary’s global spirit, bringing together 21 Rotarians across five countries:

  1. Nigeria
  2. Rwanda
  3. Turkey
  4. United Kingdom
  5. Canada

This multinational footprint gives the club a unique advantage: diverse perspectives, broader networks, and the ability to design service projects with both local relevance and global support.

Leadership Rooted in Service

At the helm of the Rotary Club of Gateway City is Rotarian Olusola Yakub Fadipe, serving as the Charter President. His leadership represents stability, vision, and a strong commitment to Rotary’s ideals of Service Above Self. Guiding the club with experience and strategic oversight is AG (Dr.) Titilope Easy Adeniran, who serves as Club Adviser, ensuring the club remains aligned with Rotary values while continuing to innovate.

Together, the leadership team blends experience with fresh thinking, helping the club balance Rotary tradition with modern flexibility.

Redefining Fellowship and Service

Unlike traditional clubs limited by geography, Gateway City thrives on digital engagement, hybrid meetings, and international collaboration. Members connect across time zones, sharing expertise, ideas, and opportunities for service. Fellowship extends beyond handshakes to meaningful cross-cultural relationships, proving that Rotary’s heart beats just as strongly online as it does in person.

Yet, despite its global structure, the club remains deeply committed to local impact, particularly within District 9111 and Nigeria at large. Its model allows members abroad to support projects at home while also bringing international partnerships and resources into local initiatives.



A Model for the Future of Rotary in Nigeria

The establishment of the Rotary Club of Gateway City marks an important milestone for Rotary in Nigeria. As the first Passport Club in District 9111, it opens doors for:

  1. Young professionals seeking flexible Rotary engagement
  2. Diaspora Rotarians wanting to stay connected to service back home
  3. Globally mobile professionals who refuse to choose between career and community impact

It demonstrates that Rotary can adapt without losing its soul. The club is not replacing traditional Rotary — it is expanding the Rotary experience, making it more inclusive, accessible, and globally relevant.

Building Bridges, Changing Lives

At its core, the Rotary Club of Gateway City exists to build bridges — between countries, cultures, professions, and ideas. Its very structure embodies Rotary’s international vision: people of action coming together to create lasting change.

As the club grows, it carries with it the pride of its charter heritage from the Rotary Club of Abeokuta Metropolitan, the pioneering spirit of its founders, and the shared commitment of its multinational members.

Gateway City is more than a club.

It is a movement toward a borderless Rotary — where service travels, fellowship transcends geography, and impact knows no limits.

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