Veteran Nigerian Rotarian Yinka Babalola has been elected President-Elect of Rotary International for the 2026/2027 term, becoming the first Nigerian in over two decades to lead the global humanitarian body, Vanguard reported.
Babalola, who began his journey with Rotary as a Rotaractor in 1988 and became a full member in 1994, has held several top roles, including District Governor (2011–12), Rotary International Vice-President (2019–20), and Board Member (2018–20). He has also served on committees for the End Polio Now campaign and the Nigeria National PolioPlus initiative, the publication noted.
Outside Rotary, Babalola boasts more than 25 years of professional experience in the oil and gas industry, working with Shell across four continents. He also founded Riviera Services Ltd., which focuses on oil and gas infrastructure, and Lead & Change Consulting, a firm specializing in executive coaching, Vanguard highlighted.
Babalola’s philanthropic work includes serving as a trustee of ShelterBox UK and as a director with Safe Blood Africa. His contributions have earned him several global recognitions, including the Rotary Foundation’s Service Above Self Award and the Africa Centennial Heroes Award, the report added.
