By Gideon Maxwell
July 17, 2026
Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has endorsed the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro’s flagship initiative to establish a Community Volunteer Fire Station to strengthen emergency response and fire safety in the Federal Capital Territory.
Osinbajo described the proposed project as a practical demonstration of Rotary’s enduring commitment to humanitarian service and community development.
The fire station is expected to serve residents of Kafe District, Life Camp, Gwarinpa and neighbouring communities, where rapid urban expansion has heightened the need for faster and more coordinated emergency response.
The former Vice President made the remarks while chairing the investiture of Engr. Michael O. Oluwagbemi as the 17th President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro and the launch of his book, Blueprints for Progress, in Abuja.
He was represented at the event by former Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Adeola Rahman Ipaye.
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According to Osinbajo, the initiative exemplifies Rotary’s tradition of turning vision into tangible projects that directly improve the lives of citizens.
He said community driven interventions such as the proposed fire station complement government efforts by addressing critical public safety needs through partnership, volunteerism and collective action.
Osinbajo congratulated Oluwagbemi on his emergence as President of the club, expressing confidence in his ability to provide purposeful leadership and sustain Rotary’s culture of selfless service.
He also commended the outgoing leadership for its dedication and contributions during the previous Rotary year.
Speaking on Blueprints for Progress, Osinbajo said the publication reinforces the importance of translating ideas into action, stressing that meaningful development is achieved when vision is matched with effective execution.
He added that the true legacy of leadership lies not in personal achievements or material possessions, but in lasting contributions that improve the lives of others.
The former Vice President further praised Rotary International for more than 120 years of promoting peace, improving healthcare, supporting education, fighting diseases and mobilising volunteers to address pressing community challenges across the world.
The Rotary Club of Abuja Metro said the proposed Community Volunteer Fire Station is its flagship project for the 2026 to 2027 Rotary year and is designed to enhance emergency preparedness, reduce response time and minimise the impact of fire outbreaks in Abuja communities.
