~ Bags Rotary Leadership Award
The Executive Director, Chief Operations and Information Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Sir Stanley Amuchie, has restated his firm commitment to the development of humanity, especially through youth empowerment, healthcare, education, and innovation.
Speaking as the keynote speaker at the landmark installation ceremony of Mr. Kelechi Anyanwu as Governor of Rotary International District 9142, Amuchie delivered a powerful lecture titled “The Beacon of Hope: The Rotarians’ Signature as Shining Lights to Millions in Despair”.
The event, held over the weekend in Owerri, drew over 1,500 Rotarians from across seven states that make up District 9142. The occasion also saw Amuchie bagging a Rotary Leadership/Humanitarian Award in recognition of his enduring contributions to social and human development.
In his keynote address, Amuchie emphasized that Nigeria’s greatest wealth lies not in oil or minerals but in its vast human potential. “Our greatest asset is our people,” he declared, pointing to Nigeria’s youthful population of over 63% under the age of 25 as a unique advantage in the global economy.
He praised the rise of Nigerian creative and tech industries, citing international success stories such as Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and tech giants like Flutterwave and Paystack. “These young talents are not only entertaining the world but redefining global perceptions about Nigeria,” Amuchie said.
He challenged Rotarians and policymakers alike to harness this demographic boom by investing in youth skills, innovation hubs, and human capital. “We must shift focus from natural to human resources. Unlike crude oil, human capital grows stronger with investment,” he added.
Amuchie also proposed replicating the Yaba tech hub model across the South-East and South-South regions, suggesting Owerri, Enugu, Abakaliki, and Calabar as potential centres for innovation tailored to regional strengths. “We must keep talent at home and link them to global opportunities,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the newly installed Governor of District 9142, Rotarian Kelechi Anyanwu, echoed similar sentiments. He pledged to prioritize public health by tackling preventable diseases in schools and communities.
“Our service this year will focus strongly on Rotary’s core areas, especially health, youth leadership, and sanitation projects in our secondary schools,” he said.
Anyanwu lamented the rise of preventable ailments among citizens due to lack of outreach and basic care. “In a world filled with uncertainty, Rotary must shine even brighter, offering glimpses of hope,” he noted.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Nneka Ewenike, Chairperson of the Occasion, called for a moral reset in Nigeria’s governance and public life. “Rotary believes in integrity. If you are a real Rotarian, you won’t take what belongs to others,” she said, urging Nigerians to invest in legacies rather than looted wealth. “Let’s use our resources to make Nigeria better,” she concluded.
Among the highlights of the ceremony was the induction of Sir. Stanley Amuchie as a Rotarian and installation of the District Governor.
The Owerri installation marked the first time in 25 years that Imo State is hosting a District Governor’s installation.
