Jonathan Majiyagbe has died

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Jonathan B. Majiyagbe, a past Rotary International president who was passionate about growing Rotary everywhere — especially in Africa — and about eradicating polio, has died at age 88.

He served as Rotary International President in 2003-04.

He was the first and so far the only RI President from Africa.

The continent was declared free of wild polio in August 2020, due in part to his tireless advocacy and efforts.

Under the presidential theme Lend a Hand, Majiyagbe called for alleviating poverty to be the top priority for his presidential term.

To represent this idea, he clearly wanted the two hands featured in the design to be on the same level so that the person receiving is equal in standing with the person giving the aid.

“As Rotarians, we must open our eyes to see those around us who cannot afford shelter, health care, food, and other essentials,” he wrote in the July 2003 issue of The Rotarian.