HISTORY OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF PORT HARCOURT G.R.A.
The Rotary Club of Port Harcourt G.R.A. was chartered as the third offspring of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt during the 2009/2010 Rotary year. With enthusiasm and a shared sense of purpose, twelve well-attended and engaging meetings were held from the inaugural session to the eventual granting of our Charter by Rotary International.
Each meeting was marked by vibrant fellowship, timely decision-making, and the consistent publication of a club bulletin. Key foundational decisions made during this period include:
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January 22, 2010: Approval of the club budget, admission fees, and dues
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February 19, 2010: Adoption of the club’s name, locality, meeting time, and venue
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March 11, 2010: Charter elections conducted, ushering in our pioneer leadership team
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March 24, 2010: Approval of the Rotary Standard Constitution, club bylaws, and committee structures
The club was officially admitted into Rotary International on May 4, 2010, and celebrated its Charter Presentation and First Induction Ceremony on August 14, 2010, at the Beverly Hills Hotel, marking the formal launch of our community service mission.
EARLY RECOGNITION AND GROUNDBREAKING ACHIEVEMENTS
Under the inspiring leadership of Charter President Winston Bell-Gam, the club made a remarkable debut, winning 18 awards at the 2010/2011 District Conference in Port Harcourt — including the prestigious Presidential Citation with Distinction, and multiple recognitions for impactful service in PolioPlus, Membership Growth, New Generations, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Challenge.
The momentum continued with resounding success at DISCON 2012 in Warri, where the club was named Best Club in District 9140, excelling in public relations, foundation giving, and membership development.
At DISCON 2013 in Aba, the club once again emerged as Best Club, with then-President Virginia Major honoured as Best President. The club also clinched 17 other awards, including Best Club in New Generations Service.
At the 2014 District Conference in Asaba, under President Mediline Tador, the club received multiple accolades, including:
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Highest number of new inductees
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Youth Service Excellence (Rotaract)
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Public Image Promotion
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PolioPlus Participation
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Strategic Goal Setting
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3rd Best Exhibitor at the West Africa Project Fair in Togo
By the close of the 2014/2015 Rotary Year, the club was recognized once again for exceptional youth engagement and the chartering of Interact Clubs.
SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE AND SIGNATURE PROJECTS
In 2015/2016 and 2016/2017, the club received the Rotary Citation and, for the first time, a District Grant under President Arthur Kalagbor for our signature project — the Einstein Science Challenge. That year also marked full club support for the Rotary Foundation Centennial, with each member contributing the symbolic $26.50.
The 2018/2019 Rotary Year, under President Douglas Omubo–Pepple, saw the club named Third Best Club and First Runner-Up at the District Project Exhibition. The club successfully executed a Global Grant project with the Rotary Club of E-Greater Sydney, installing solar-powered boreholes and WASH facilities in two schools. That year also brought another District Grant and the Rotary Citation with Distinction.
In 2019/2020, the club earned another Rotary Citation, and during the challenging 2020/2021 year — led by President Veronique Tabai — the club demonstrated resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Impactful projects were executed, a District Grant was secured for our signature initiative, and another Global Grant was awarded for a WASH project in a school in Igwuruta, in partnership with PIND (Partnership for Initiatives in the Niger Delta). The club was ranked among the Top 10 Best Clubs in the District and celebrated for sustaining its signature project for nine consecutive years. All our Rotaract Clubs also received the Rotaract Citation.
RECENT TRIUMPHS AND VISIONARY LEADERSHIP
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2021/2022: Under President Ofonmbuk Harcourt-Whyte, the club executed the 10th edition of its signature project, received the Rotary Citation, and was ranked 5th Best Club.
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2022/2023: Led by President Ozumonu Gudu, the club completed a Global Grant project secured in 2020/2021, executed major service projects, received a District Grant, and achieved the Rotary Citation.
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2023/2024: Under President Jeane Ochen, the club achieved 100% of its goals, received the Rotary Citation, and secured a District Grant for another WASH project at a secondary school.
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2024/2025: Led by President Douglas Okafor, the club earned the Club Excellence Award (Rotary Citation), executed landmark service projects, and received a District Grant for a WASH facility at a primary school. The club also recorded a historic 100% member retention — a testament to its vibrant and engaging culture.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Rotary Club of Port Harcourt G.R.A., proudly known as “The Club on the Greenfields,” stands on the shoulders of visionary leaders, dedicated members, and steadfast partners. As we march into the 2025/2026 Rotary Year, we are United for Good, ready to deepen our impact through outstanding fellowship and transformative service.
