Ibru to deliver keynote at West Africa project fair opening plenary
Chair of Ikeja Hotel Plc, Goodie Ibru, is set to deliver the keynote at the opening plenary of West Africa Project Fair (WAPF) 2026, as Rotary International intensifies preparations for
Chair of Ikeja Hotel Plc, Goodie Ibru, is set to deliver the keynote at the opening plenary of West Africa Project Fair (WAPF) 2026, as Rotary International intensifies preparations for the flagship regional event.
Dr Ibru, lawyer and principal partner at G.M Ibru & Co, is a top figure in Nigeria’s corporate and legal landscape.
He obtained his LL.B from University of London in 1965 and was called to the English and Nigerian Bar in 1966 and 1968. A former president of Rotary Club of Lagos from 1987 to 1988, he is on the boards of notable bodies.
The fair will hold from November 10 to 14 at Lagos Sheraton, Ikeja, a venue selected to host exhibitions and international participants.
The event, a major Rotary International initiative, will bring together Rotary leaders, development agencies, corporate organisations, donor institutions, government stakeholders, and non-governmental organisations.
It will showcase community-based projects and attract funding, partnerships, and technical support.
During a visit by WAPF Host Organising Committee, Dr Ibru lauded Rotary for its contributions to global philanthropy, particularly through The Rotary Foundation, which he noted has supported humanitarian projects and infrastructure development in communities.
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“Rotary is doing great work in philanthropy, providing funds through Rotary Foundation to support humanitarian projects and deliver infrastructure for development of mankind,” he said.
He sought stronger collaboration with continental development frameworks, suggesting Rotary partners New Partnership for Africa’s Development, an initiative of AU fostering growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.
He said such partnerships could further enhance Rotary’s interventions in addressing unemployment and driving sustainable growth.
The Host Organising Committee for WAPF 2026 is jointly chaired by Past District Governors Omotunde Lawson and Adefemi Adenekan, while the event will be co-hosted by Rotary District 9111 and Rotary District 9112 under the leadership of District Governors Bukola Bakare and Layi Abidoye.
Organisers disclosed that the fair will feature project exhibitions, cultural exchanges, and site visits, with a focus on key sectors such as water, education, and healthcare. Participating clubs have been encouraged to develop Global Grant projects and take advantage of planned training sessions to enhance their proposals.
Only 70 exhibition booths will be available for participating districts across West Africa, with allocation to be done on a first come, first served basis.
The 2026 edition is expected to build on the success of previous fairs and further strengthen Rotary’s development footprint in the region through innovation, collaboration, and sustained commitment to service.
