Rotary International President 2026-27

Rotary International President 2026-27, Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, was born in Ibadan, Nigeria. He is a distinguished engineer, business leader, humanitarian, and committed Rotarian whose life reflects the Rotary principle of "Service Above Self."

Professional Background

Babalola received his engineering degree in 1988 and built a successful 25-year career in the oil and gas industry, where he held senior leadership positions at Shell PLC. He is the founder of two companies focused on oil and gas infrastructure delivery and executive coaching and organizational performance advisory services.

Rotary Journey

His Rotary journey began through a decade of service in Rotaract. He served as the Charter President of his university Rotaract Club and participated in international cultural exchanges with clubs in Japan and Côte d’Ivoire.

Babalola joined the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi in 1994 and later served on important Rotary initiatives including the End Polio Now: Countdown to History Campaign Committee and Nigeria PolioPlus Committee.

Humanitarian Service

He contributed significantly to the Safe Blood Africa project, which improved access to safe blood supplies across Nigeria and Africa through blood banks and bloodmobiles.

He also supported polio eradication efforts in Nigeria's conflict-affected northeast through accountability initiatives and field collaboration that contributed to Nigeria becoming polio-free in 2020.

Vision as RI President 2026-27

As Rotary International President, Babalola seeks to strengthen the emotional connection of members with Rotary and reinforce their sense of belonging. He believes Rotary is not only an organization through which people serve others, but also a community that belongs to every Rotarian.

Awards and Recognition

• Africa Centennial Heroes Award
• Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World
• Rotary International Service Above Self Award
• The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service

Personal Life

Babalola enjoys golf, swimming, forest walking, and photography, especially capturing cloud formations. He and his wife, Precy, a fellow Rotarian, live in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. They support The Rotary Foundation through a named endowment and as members of the Arch Klumph Society.

ROTARIAN OLAYINKA HAKEEM BABALOLA

Rotary International President 2026-27
Rotary Club of Trans Amadi
Rivers State, Nigeria