Dear Rotary Members,
I am delighted to share with you that the Rotary International Board, in accordance with our bylaws, has selected a new Rotary International President for 2026-27.
Olayinka (Yinka) Hakeem Babalola of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Rivers State, Nigeria has accepted the nomination and will immediately become the Rotary President Elect. His term as President will begin 1 July 2026.
Yinka began his Rotary journey at the age of 22, participating as a Rotaractor from 1988 to 1994, then joining his current Rotary club in 1994. An attorney and executive in the energy sector in Nigeria, Yinka supports the Rotary Foundation with a named endowment and is an Arch Klumph Society member.
This year, as we Unite for Good, we should take this opportunity to unite across time, building connections with the leaders past and future, and ensuring continuity in our efforts, working together to grow Rotary and increase the impact of our service.
I look forward to working with President-Elect Yinka to help lead Rotary to new heights.
Warmest regards,
Francesco Arezzo
President, Rotary International, 2025–26
