Olayinka Hakeem Babalola

Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi
, Nigeria, has been selected by the Board of Directors to become Rotary International’s president for 2026-27. His term will begin on 1 July 2026.

Early Life and Education

Babalola was born in Ibadan, Nigeria. He pursued higher education in engineering, earning his degree in 1988. Little is publicly available about his early family life, but his formative years in Ibadan shaped his engagement in professional and civic activities.

Professional Career

Babalola has over three decades of experience in the oil and gas sector. He held senior leadership roles at Shell PLC, contributing significantly to the energy industry in Nigeria . Beyond his corporate career, he founded two companies: Riviera Technical Services Ltd., an oil and gas infrastructure firm, and Lead and Change Consulting, offering executive coaching and organizational performance advisory services. He is also affiliated with professional organizations such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, and the Association of Change Management Professionals.

Rotary International and Humanitarian Work

Babalola's journey with Rotary began in 1984 as a Rotaractor, the youth program of Rotary International, and he officially joined the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi in 1994. Over the years, he has taken on several key leadership roles within the organization, including:

He has been deeply involved in polio eradication efforts and broader humanitarian initiatives in Africa, serving on the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee and as an adviser to the Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee. He played a key role in establishing Rotary’s first Peace Center in Africa at Makerere University, Uganda . Babalola is also a trustee for ShelterBox UK, a disaster relief organization, highlighting his commitment to global humanitarian work.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Babalola is married to Preba, and they reside in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Together, they are active philanthropists, supporting The Rotary Foundation through a named endowment and as members of the Arch Klumph Society, which recognizes top Rotary philanthropic contributors .

Awards and Recognition

Babalola's extensive community service and leadership have earned him several prestigious honors, including:

Awards and Recognition

On 1 July 2026, Olayinka Hakeem Babalola will assume office as President of Rotary International for a one-year term, becoming the second African to hold this position.

In this role, he will preside over the Board of Directors, provide inspirational leadership, and represent Rotary International globally, promoting values of service, peace, and community development.

Babalola’s biography reflects a blend of technical expertise, entrepreneurial ventures, humanitarian service, and global leadership, making him a prominent figure both in professional circles and international philanthropy.

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