Events

PDG Dr Tunji Funsho Headlines Rotary District 9112 Learning Seminar

Published

9 months ago

February 8, 2026

Dr Tunji Funsho will speak at Rotary District 9112 DTLS 2026 in Lagos on leadership ahead of the 2026–2027 Rotary year

Past District Governor Dr Tunji Funsho, a leading public health advocate and key figure in Africa’s polio eradication campaign, has been announced as a guest speaker at the 2026 Rotary International District 9112 District Team Learning Seminar.

Also read: Lagos Polio Campaign Gets Major Boost with Rotary District 9112 Raincoat and Boot Donation

Dr Funsho will speak on the theme, “Leadership: Not for the weak-hearted,” at the seminar scheduled for February 20 and 21, 2026, at Orchid Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

The announcement was made by Layi Abidoye, District Governor-elect of Rotary International District 9112, who described the District Team Learning Seminar as a mandatory leadership programme for district officers preparing to serve in the 2026–2027 Rotary year.

Abidoye said the seminar remains central to Rotary’s leadership development framework, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to capacity building, knowledge sharing and service excellence across its global network.

Dr Funsho, a Nigerian cardiologist and Past District Governor, is widely recognised for his pivotal role in the eradication of wild poliovirus in Africa. He served as Chair of Rotary’s Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee and now holds the position of Chair Emeritus.

In that role, he led nationwide immunisation campaigns and advocacy efforts in collaboration with partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

A former student of King’s College, Lagos, Dr Funsho trained as a cardiologist and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of London.

His medical background laid the foundation for his transition into large-scale public health advocacy, particularly in tackling vaccine hesitancy and strengthening community engagement in underserved areas.

His contributions were instrumental in Nigeria achieving three consecutive years without wild poliovirus, culminating in Africa’s certification as wild polio-free in August 2020.

In recognition of his work, TIME magazine named him among its 100 Most Influential People in 2020, making him the first Rotarian to receive the honour for polio eradication efforts.

At DTLS 2026, Dr Funsho will join other dignitaries, including the Chairman and CEO of Channels Media Group, Dr John Momoh, alongside Rotary leaders from across the district.

Organisers said the presence of high-profile speakers is expected to enrich discussions and inspire participants as they prepare for leadership responsibilities in the coming Rotary year.

Also read: Rotary District 9112 Public Image Seminar Focuses on Impactful Storytelling

They added that the seminar’s focus on learning, strategic engagement and effective service delivery positions DTLS 2026 as a landmark event for Rotary International District 9112.

Up Next

District 9112 Adopts April 4 as Rotary Day, Awareness Campaign Set to Begin

Don't Miss

Lateef Adedimeji Congratulates Ogun State on 50th Anniversary

Click to comment

Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

3 weeks ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.