Inaugural Speech By the 9th President
Distinguished District leader, fellow Rotarians, family, friends, and partners in service,
I stand before you filled with gratitude, humility, and a strong passion to serve. It is an honor to accept the role of President of the CEO club—the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Cosmopolitan, a club of world class leaders, and captains of industry.
To my predecessor, Yvonne Iwo-Brown, thank you for your extraordinary leadership. I also extend sincere appreciation to our past presidents whose efforts have laid the firm foundation on which we now stand.
To my fellow Rotarians, thank you for the confidence you have placed in me. I do not take your trust lightly, and I pledge to serve with integrity, transparency, and vision.
This year, Rotary International calls on us to “Unite for Good.”
What a powerful call; simple, yet profound.
In a world often fractured by division, we are reminded that true service, real impact, and lasting change are only possible when we come together. Across differences. Across communities. Across continents.
To unite for good means to listen more, to serve selflessly, and to lead collaboratively, and I believe that this call, this unity of purpose, is the heartbeat of our club.
As we step into a new Rotary year, my vision is to build on our strengths and chart bold new paths; to deepen our impact, strengthen our identity, and expand our reach. We will:
- Advance our Stitches of Ability initiative, empowering children with disabilities through skills, dignity, and love.
- Invest in health awareness, especially in HIV prevention and maternal care.
- Promote literacy, peacebuilding, youth development, and environmental protection.
- And most importantly, we will foster a culture of fellowship, to enhance friendship and service. The core foundation upon which Rotary stands.
We are not just Rotarians; we are cosmopolitan, we take the lead. We think globally, act locally, and serve wholeheartedly.
To our partners, families, and friends, thank you. Your support is the quiet strength behind our loudest impacts. We ask that you continue to journey with us.
To my incoming board and committee leaders, let’s serve with purpose, plan with precision, and lead with passion. Let us unite, not just in meetings, but in meaning. Not just in purpose, but in practice.
Let me end with a call:
Let us unite, across our diverse backgrounds, for one unshakable reason: to do good, there are people dying, people with disabilities who need us, sickle cell patients with terrible ankle sores who need help, drug addicts who wish a hand could hold them defeat their addictions. My friends, lets do this because we can. when we unite for good, lives change, hope grows, and communities thrive.
Together, let us unite for good. Together, let us serve above self. Together, let us make this Rotary year unforgettable.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Cosmopolitan.
About Iwo Edward-Pepple
Rotarian Iwo Edward-Pepple is a woman whose life story beautifully weaves together dedication, creativity, service, and a touch of cheerful ambition.
Born in Port Harcourt to the family of Chief (Engr.) and Alabota B.J. Samuel-Horsfall, JP, of Buguma in Asari Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State, she has remained deeply connected to her roots while building an impressive path of her own.
Education
Iwo’s academic journey began at Bereton Montessori School, continued through Staff School Abuloma, and blossomed at Federal Government College Port Harcourt, where she earned her SSCE in 1994.
Her passion for technology and problem-solving led her to Rivers State University, where she earned a B.Sc. in Computer Science in 2000. Never one to rest on her laurels, she returned to the same university two decades later, completing her M.Sc. in Computer Science in 2022—a testament to her commitment to continuous learning.
Professional Life & Philanthropy
Rtn. Iwo is a prolific writer, having authored and published 25 books, with more still in progress. Her love for storytelling is matched only by her dedication to empowering children and young people, a calling
she embraced as a teenager and has never let go of this passion led to publishing 2 new books which brings the philosophy of rotary’s 4 way test to life for interact and Early act clubs.
As a Systems Analyst and Solution Developer, she has lent her expertise to numerous organizations across sectors. She also chairs the boards of several charities, proving that her heart for service extends well beyond the written word.
She leads not one but two thriving companies—2WJ Global Services Nigeria Ltd and Equinox Global Resources—which operate both locally and internationally in areas ranging from IT support to construction and consultancy.
Rotary Journey
A proud Charter Member of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Cosmopolitan, chartered in 2018, Iwo has worn many hats in the club, each with distinction.
Her roles have included:
Youth Service Chair, her first leadership assignment
Club Administration Chair (twice)
Club Secretary (twice)
Member of multiple committees, always stepping up to drive positive change.
She is a Paul Harris Fellow +3, reflecting her strong commitment to supporting Rotary’s life-changing work through The Rotary Foundation.
Faith & Community Service
Rtn. Iwo is a devoted Christian who serves
passionately in the Children’s and Teens’ Church at Living Faith Church Worldwide. Her faith continues
to inspire her love for people and her drive to make a difference.
Family & Personal Passions
Above all her achievements, she is most fulfilled in her role as a loving mother to three wonderful children—a beautiful daughter and two handsome sons.
She is passionate about mentoring young people and counts it a joy to see them grow and thrive.
True to her cheerful spirit, she proudly belongs to the tribe of happy people—those who love to laugh, live fully, and spread good energy wherever they go.
Favorite Hobby:
“Making and spending money,” she says with a smile—because life, after all, should be enjoyed!