Events

Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo Arrives Abuja for District 9127 Visit

Published

9 months ago

February 15, 2026

Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo will arrive in Abuja for the final leg of his Nigeria tour, with visits to Polio House and the Presidential Villa

Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends of Rotary across District 9127 are set to welcome the President of Rotary International, Francesco Arezzo, and his spouse, Anna Maria Arezzo-Criscione, to Abuja on Tuesday, February 17, for the final leg of their Nigeria-wide tour.

Also read: Ehi Braimah Declared Next Rotary District Governor

President Arezzo, who arrived in Lagos on February 13, will fly into Abuja from Port Harcourt and is expected to receive a colourful reception at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

In a statement signed by Dr. Max Amuchie, District 9127 Media Relations Chair, the Chairman of the Reception Planning Committee, Dr. Goddy Nnadi, said elaborate preparations have been concluded to accord the Rotary leader a befitting welcome.

He noted that Rotarians dressed in Rotary regalia and cultural dance troupes would be on hand to showcase the district’s hospitality.

Members of the presidential entourage include Rotary International President-elect Rotarian Yinka Babalola and his spouse, Preba Babalola;

Trustee of The Rotary Foundation, Rotarian Ijeoma Pearl Okoro and her husband, Rotarian Kingsley Okoro, as well as five other District Governors in Nigeria.

District Governor Dame (Dr.) Joy Okoro, host of the visit, described the occasion as a significant moment for District 9127.

She said the visit highlights Rotary’s commitment to service, peacebuilding and disease eradication, adding that the district is ready to showcase its impactful projects.

Following his arrival, President Arezzo is scheduled for a private dinner with philanthropist and Rotary leader, Sir Emeka Offor.

On Wednesday, the Rotary International President will visit Polio House in Area 2, Abuja, where he will receive a briefing from the Nigerian National PolioPlus Committee on polio eradication efforts.

He is also expected to participate in a symbolic immunisation exercise at a Primary Healthcare Centre in Area 2, reinforcing Rotary’s longstanding global campaign against polio.

At noon, Arezzo will address members of District 9127 at the Sir Emeka Offor Hall, Rotary Centre, Abuja, outlining Rotary International’s vision and strategic priorities.

The visit will also feature a courtesy call on President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa to strengthen collaboration on humanitarian and development initiatives.

President Arezzo is scheduled to depart Nigeria on Thursday, February 19, concluding a tour aimed at deepening Rotary’s partnerships and expanding its impact nationwide.

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District 9127, which covers the Federal Capital Territory and several North-Central states, plays a leading role in Rotary’s focus areas, including disease prevention, maternal and child health, education, economic empowerment and peacebuilding.

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Culture

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

Published

2 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.