National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
The Inner Wheel Clubs of Nigeria has held the 39th edition of its Annual Conference and Rally in Ede, Osun State.
The event held 5th to 8th February brought together over 250 delegates from across the country for four days of fellowship, reflection and strategic planning.
The conference, tagged Living Spring Extravaganza, was held at ADMUS Concept Hotel and drew participants from all six Inner Wheel districts in Nigeria. The event focused on strengthening the organisation’s humanitarian mandate while reinforcing its commitment to accountability, service and women’s leadership.
A major highlight of the gathering was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Abiola Akiyode Afolabi, founding director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC). She challenged women to rewrite the narrative of systemic exclusion from leadership positions and urged them to strive for excellence in their various fields.
Akiyode-Afolabi emphasised that women must be intentional about education, civic participation and community engagement in order to dismantle entrenched barriers. According to her, stepping up to lead by example is not optional but “a moral demand.” She encouraged participants to remain resolute in their pursuit of competence and visibility in both public and private spheres.
The National Representative and President of Council of Inner Wheel Clubs in Nigeria, Funmi Ogunsi, alongside the hosting District Chairman D913, Sola Idowu, and the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Bola Odeleye, welcomed delegates at different sessions of the conference. They commended members for their dedication to humanitarian service and reiterated the need to sustain the organisation’s values.
Goodwill messages were also delivered on behalf of the International Inner Wheel President, Kay Morland, who highlighted the global impact of Inner Wheel and Nigeria’s significant role within the international body.
Beyond speeches and formal sessions, the conference featured a range of humanitarian activities reflecting Inner Wheel’s core values. As part of its Community Service Project, special welfare and medical outreach programmes were organised to support residents of the host community. The interventions focused on enhancing capacity building and promoting wellness, reinforcing the club’s tradition of practical service.
Business sessions formed a critical part of the deliberations. Members engaged in extensive discussions on the growth, sustainability and continued relevance of Inner Wheel in Nigeria, Africa and globally. Emphasis was placed on disciplined and focused service delivery, accountability, transparency, probity and strict adherence to established protocols. Participants agreed on the need to build organisational capacity to meet international standards in the discharge of humanitarian duties.
A key resolution from the sessions was the intensification of Inner Wheel education at all levels of the organisation to preserve its ideals and strengthen institutional memory.
The Awards Ceremony provided an opportunity to celebrate outstanding contributions. Funmi Ogunsi congratulated recipients, describing them as “Travellers of the Same Seas” with Inner Wheel, noting that their individual lives and societal contributions mirror the principles and values of the organisation.
In what many described as the icing on the cake, the Executive Governor of Osun State hosted delegates to a colourful gala night, creating what participants called a memorable and befitting conclusion to the social aspect of the conference.
At the close of proceedings, several strategic resolutions were adopted to strengthen Inner Wheel in Nigeria and enhance its global participation. Delegates approved the expansion of the existing micro-credit loan scheme to empower more beneficiaries across districts, with the expectation that the model would be replicated throughout Inner Wheel Africa.
The conference also ratified the National Governing Body and Executive for the 2026/2027 Inner Wheel Year. Additionally, Nigeria’s nominee for the International Inner Wheel office of Board Director for 2027/2028, NR Funmi Ogunsi, received ratification.
Two Constitution Amendment Proposals from Nigeria were endorsed for debate at the 2027 International Inner Wheel Convention in Manila, Philippines. Delegates also affirmed Nigeria’s participation at the convention and ratified the nomination of a National Coordinator for the event.
On membership growth, participants unanimously agreed on the need to expand the organisation’s reach by strengthening branding strategies, particularly through social media platforms, to attract upwardly mobile and qualified young women. The formation of additional E-Clubs was recommended, subject to due diligence. Members also stressed the importance of retention by fostering a sense of belonging and giving new members responsibilities with adequate support systems.
Looking ahead, clubs and districts are expected to commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, under the theme “Give to Gain.” Other upcoming events include the Inner Wheel Africa Rally in October 2026 in Cotonou, Republic of Benin; the 40th National Conference and Rally in Aba tagged “Eyimba City of Excellence 2027”; and the 20th Triennial International Inner Wheel Convention scheduled for May 11 to 14, 2027.
With over 250 delegates in attendance, the 39th Annual Conference reaffirmed the commitment of Inner Wheel Clubs in Nigeria to personal service delivered in line with international best practices for the betterment of communities and humanity at large.
