PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State – July 24, 2025 – Rotary International, particularly District 9141, is shining a spotlight on the long-standing challenges faced by children and teenagers with special needs who aspire to tertiary education. As the new Rotary year commences, with Rtn. Anthony Woghiren set to be unveiled as the 9th District Governor, addressing these educational inequities will be a core focus.
Speaking with newsmen today in Port Harcourt, Rtn. Woghiren, whose 2025/2026 Rotary year will operate under the global theme, “Unite for Good,” revealed that while his agenda spans Rotary International’s seven key areas, including membership growth, peace and conflict resolution, and maternal and child health, a significant emphasis will be placed on supporting children with special needs.
This dedicated focus, he explained, has become imperative due to the hurdles this demographic faces in accessing adequate education. Woghiren disclosed a stark reality identified by his team: candidates with special needs wishing to take the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Examinations (JAMB) are currently forced to travel to Enugu State to access appropriate examination facilities. In response, Rotarians in District 9141 have already initiated engagements with relevant authorities to address this critical infrastructure gap.
The challenges, he noted, extend into tertiary education, where the absence of dedicated departments for individuals with special needs severely limits their opportunities for advanced qualifications. To tackle this, Woghiren led his team on a crucial visit to the Rivers State University. The university authorities have since graciously approved the donation of land for Rotarians to construct a specialized department, which will enable individuals with special needs to pursue higher education and acquire advanced qualifications directly within the state.
To fund this vital project, Woghiren announced that a fundraiser will be instituted during his installation ceremony on Saturday, July 26, appealing for support for the construction of this much-needed educational facility.
This ambitious undertaking by Rotary District 9141 signifies a profound commitment to fostering inclusivity and ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all, setting a new standard for community engagement and support for vulnerable populations.
