A former President of International Inner Wheel 2016-2017, Mrs Oluyemisi Alatise, on Saturday urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of giving and participating in Community Service in any they can help to make Nigeria and the world better.
She made the call during the installation ceremony of IWM Felicia Agbonhese as the 6th District Chairman Inner Wheel 910 – Nigeria held at Funtaj International School, Gudu District, Abuja.
Mrs Alatise who was the Guest Speaker at the occasion spoke on a topic titled: “Benefits of Community Services Even in Austere Time”, said Inner Wheel as an organization occupied an important position to breach the gap created by the seemingly lackadaisical attitude of government in providing amenities, stressing that “government alone cannot provide all the needs of the citizenry.
”In Nigeria where we don’t have any social service, being a capitalist state. “There is so much to do to help the community, which should have been the responsibilities of the government. “African society is noted for being its brother’s keeper. It taken two people to bring a child the world, but a community to raise such a child. Unfortunately, we are losing this culture.
”Community Service gives us the chance to bridge the gap. Giving back to the society gives some satisfying effects on the givers,” she explained.
VDC Tola Adeseun, the Chairman of Installation Ceremony Planning Committee had while welcoming guests and well-wishers to the occasion emphasized on the International theme of Inner wheel for the year commencing on July 1st to June 30th 2026 as “Step Up and Lead by Example.”
”In this trying period, we can’t rely on government for everything, so this theme is timely, as we individually and collectively step up and do our bit to make a positive change,” she added.
VDC Adeseun said the Club is an international humanitarian service organization with about 120,000 members, 4,200 clubs with presence in about 100 countries around the globe.
IWM Shirley-Grace Ifehinwa Ntima had in her valedictory speech reeled out what her tenure of executive achieved and gave kudos to all the members for “making the Heartbeat of Humanity Inner Wheel year a success”, and challenged members to always reflect on ideals that have kept them together which would continue to drive the District to a greater height.
She then handed over the baton of leadership to the new District Chairman, IWM Felicia Agbonhese who announced the focus and projects her executive would pursue during their tenure.
In her acceptance speech, IWM Agbonhese outlined some of the projects her executive wants to execute which includes: Purchase and development of land for skill acquisition, Awareness: Elimination of Gender Based Violence and Elderly care/support among others.
She then pledged alongside the diligent and dynamic Executive 2025/2026 to serve with integrity, transparency, dedication, teamwork and empathy emphasizing that the Executive believes in the power of service and leading by example.
IWM Felicia Agbonhese in line with the Club’s bye-law inducted all the District Officers who work along with her in the 2025/2026 Executive.
The District Chairman later flagged off the skill acquisition empowerment programme with the donations of working tools like sowing machines, farming tools and chemical for farming to the beneficiaries.
Madam Mabel Ezeh who responded on behalf of the beneficiaries expressed their joy for being lifted out of poverty by Inner Wheel and prayed for God’s abundant blessings for the Club and its members.
IWM Agbonhese in her official capacity conferred different categories of Awards on dignitaries found Worthy of honour.
They included a former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs Dorothy Omavowan Oresanya; Chief Lady Grace Ekatah, Chief Dr Clement, Dame Dr Omolars Ololade Akanji, the Agbaakin of Itere Kingdom, Rotarian Adebayo Adekunle Andrew; the Chairman of Funtaj International School Ltd, Engr Tajudeen Olusegun Abiodun Ibrahim, and Chief (Engr) Patrick Anegbe, among others.
The loving husband of the District Chairman, Chief Dr Rotarian James Eromosele Agbonhese led his friends and other well wishers of the Club in a special fundraising to part financing the activities of the Club for the year.
The new District Chairman, IWM Felicia Agbonhese JP known for her generosity, kindness, cheerfulness, Godly and assertive nature, hails from Uromi in Edo State, Nigeria. She was born into the loving family of the late Pa Anthony Onomuna Ubuane and late Mrs. Grace O. Ubuane of Ukoni, Uromi.
Her educational journey began at Township School, Port Harcourt, and continued at Okpujie Primary School, Uromi. She proceeded to the prestigious Our Lady of Lourdes Grammar School in Uromi for her secondary education. Felicia earned her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in English Language from the then Edo State University ( now Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in 1992.
She fulfilled her National Youth Service in Rivers State, with her orientation in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State. She served with Homan Engineering from 1993 to 1994 before relocating to Abuja to join the love of her life.
Her professional career development began with the Federal Capital Development Authority, where she joined the Education Department (now the Education Secretariat) as a teacher. Through hard work and dedication, she rose to the rank of Deputy Director.
In 2022, she was transferred to the Secondary Education Board, where she currently serves in the Monitoring and Evaluation Division of the Examination Unit. Felicia also holds a Postgraduate Diploma from Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and has participated in numerous professional training programs, earning several certifications.
Felicia’s passion for service was nurtured early in life through the examples set by her parents, whose charitable acts deeply inspired her. She was a vicentian and as a Legion of Mary member, she was actively involved in outreach to neglected elderly persons in villages, offering food, clothing, and companionship. Her University years further deepened this commitment where she met her husband, who was also a legionary and served as president of the Gate of Heaven praesidium at the University.
In 1998, she joined the Inner Wheel Club of Garki encouraged by her husband, a member of the Rotary Club of Garki. She has since served in numerous leadership capacities, including becoming the 13th President of the Club in 2002. Her commitment to the ideals of Inner Wheel extended to the District level, where she has contributed immensely in various roles. Today, she proudly steps in as the District Chairman of District 910, Nigeria.
Outside Inner Wheel, Felicia is an active member of the Uromi Wives and Daughters Association, Abuja Branch, where she has served in various capacities. She currently serves as Vice President 1.
She is also a devout Catholic and plays an active role in several church organisations. She is a Noble Lady of the Ladies of Knights of St. John International, where she served as the Laux 4o6 and Grand Junior Directress. She is also a committed member of St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Patrick’s Edo Delta Association, and the Alumnae Association of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, among others.
In recognition of her unwavering dedication to service, leadership, and community development, IWM Felicia Agbonhese has received numerous awards and accolades across various fields. Some of them include
Best Teacher Award for Outstanding Performance- By Government Secondary school, Gwagwa _ 2009/2010.
Best Teacher of the Year Award – By Education and Leadership Centre. 28th Nov. 2014.
Best Teacher Award in English Language-By Government Secondary School, Mabushi
2017/2018
TREM Educational Award
Award for the contribution and Growth of UWDA for 25 years _ by Uromi Wives and Daughters Association, Abuja Branch- 23rd October, 2021
Appreciation Award- by Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Estate _ August 2023.
Award by ACCIOBA, Abuja Branch. December, 2024.
Felicia is happily married to Chief (Dr.) James Agbonhese, whom she affectionately calls “Love.” Their union is blessed with lovely children.
