History beckons as Nigeria’s Olayinka Hakeem Babalola has been elected President of Rotary International for the 2026-27 term, becoming one of the few Africans to ascend to the pinnacle of the 119-year-old global service organization. He will assume office on July 1, 2026, leading 1.4 million Rotarians in over 200 countries.
Babalola’s election follows the resignation of President-elect SangKoo Yun, who stepped down to focus on recovering from cancer treatment. In a special session, Rotary’s Board of Directors turned to the Port Harcourt-based Rotarian, whose stellar record of service and leadership made him the overwhelming choice.
A Rotarian since 1994, Babalola’s journey began as a Rotaractor in 1988. Over the years, he has worn many hats: District Governor (2011-12), RI Vice President (2019-20), Board Member (2018-20), and frontline advocate for Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign. His leadership within the Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee has been pivotal to Africa’s polio-free certification.
Beyond Rotary, Babalola boasts an impressive professional pedigree. An engineer-turned-attorney, he spent 25 years in the oil and gas industry, holding senior positions with Shell PLC across four continents. He later founded Riviera Services Ltd., an oil and gas infrastructure company, and Lead and Change Consulting, a leadership and performance advisory firm.
His service footprint extends globally — from serving as a Trustee of ShelterBox UK to directing the Safe Blood Africa Project. He has also been decorated with Rotary’s most prestigious honors, including the Service Above Self Award, the Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World, and the Africa Centennial Heroes Award.
Speaking on his election, senior Rotarians described Babalola as “a bridge-builder, strategist, and humanitarian whose presidency will inspire new energy in Rotary’s mission of peace, health, and development.”
Babalola lives in Port Harcourt with his wife, Preba, and together they are major supporters of The Rotary Foundation, with a named endowment as Arch Klumph Society members.
As he prepares to take the reins, all eyes are on the Nigerian whose vision and passion for service are expected to give Rotary International fresh momentum in addressing today’s global challenges — from eradicating polio to advancing peace, empowering youth, and tackling climate change.
