This past spring, I had the privilege of serving as an aide to the incoming Rotary International President, Olayinka Hakeem Babalola (Yinka) of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, during the Great Lakes Rotary President Elect Leadership Seminar (PELS) in March, which many of you know as PETS.
What is it like to be an aide to the President-Elect of Rotary International (RI)? There are clear expectations, and I was determined to follow them closely—I was not going to mess this up! My responsibilities included picking up President-Elect Yinka from the airport, getting him to the venue, ensuring he had everything he needed, and guiding him to the correct breakout sessions and meetings. I made sure he was always where he needed to be… I even ensured he crossed the street at the crosswalk! 😊
What made this visit unique is that incoming RI Presidents typically stop in briefly to give an inspirational speech, make connections between local clubs and Rotary International, and then head out. But not this President. Yinka stayed for the entire three‑day multi‑district seminar. He spent significant time interacting with presidents‑elect, participated in the karaoke fundraiser for End Polio Now, and signed countless banners, scarves, and souvenirs to wish the incoming presidents their best year ever. And he led District Governors Elect in singing “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin, and he did a great job! What a sport.
After three full days of seminars, luncheons, and dinners, I was exhausted—but not Yinka. His energy never faded, and he made time for every person who wanted to speak with him.
President Yinka shared many insights with the incoming club presidents. He reminded us that we often focus on making Rotary more affordable, when instead we should focus on making Rotary more valuable—worth the time, worth the money, and worth the commitment. He encouraged clubs to revisit traditions that may no longer serve us. Is the meeting space welcoming? Is the meal worth the cost? Are we creating an experience that members genuinely look forward to?
He also encouraged club Presidents‑Elect to use AI to explore ways to make their clubs more engaging. Many were surprised by the creative ideas they received—ideas they hadn’t previously considered. I found it remarkable how someone from across the world could connect so easily with Rotarians from Michigan, Indiana, and Ontario, offering perspectives that helped us break out of our usual ways of thinking.
Rotary International has chosen a wonderful leader for the coming Rotary year, and I couldn’t be prouder of their selection.
Article submitted by DGE, Paula Jastifer, Rotary Club of Grand Rapids.