EVANSTON, Ill. — As the Rotary year turns on July 1, 2026, a historic milestone will be reached within the global humanitarian community. Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, a veteran leader and member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, will officially take office as the President of Rotary International.

In assuming the presidency, Babalola becomes only the second African to lead the 1.2-million-member organization, marking a significant moment for the global network and its footprint across the continent and beyond.

A Vision for Peace and Sustainability

During his one-year term, Babalola is set to steer the organization toward a renewed focus on peacebuilding and sustainable, community-led development. At a time of global uncertainty, he views Rotary as a critical bridge for understanding.

"Rotary gives people the opportunity not only to make a difference in their communities, but also to grow through meaningful relationships, collaboration, and a deeper appreciation of different perspectives," Babalola stated ahead of his inauguration. "I look forward to highlighting and strengthening that impact around the world."

Babalola’s appointment is underpinned by decades of hands-on experience. His work has spanned public health and development across Africa, including a key role in supporting the Rotary Peace Center at Makerere University in Uganda—the organization’s first of its kind on the continent.

The Fight to Eradicate Polio

A primary pillar of Babalola’s presidency will be the continued commitment to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. As the head of 45,000 clubs worldwide, he will lead the final push to eliminate the disease. With the organization having already reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent and contributed over US$3 billion to the cause, Babalola’s deep experience—having served on the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee—positions him as a steady hand for this historic mission.

From Engineering to Humanitarian Leadership

Babalola’s path to the presidency is rooted in both professional rigor and long-term service. An engineer by training, he spent over 30 years in the oil and gas sector, holding senior leadership roles at Shell PLC before founding his own consultancy firms, Riviera Technical Services Ltd. and Lead and Change Consulting.

His journey with Rotary began in 1984 as a member of Rotaract, the organization's program for young professionals. He officially joined the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi in 1994 and has since been a pillar of the organization, earning accolades such as the Africa Centennial Heroes Award and the Service Above Self Award.

Beyond his professional life, Babalola and his wife, Preba, are dedicated philanthropists, recognized as members of the Arch Klumph Society for their significant contributions to The Rotary Foundation.