Ifenna Lex Okagbue
Part of Rotaract since 2011, and going on to representing Rotaract Great Britain and Ireland around the world, we asked Lex some questions to shine a light on this person of action.
Ifenna Lex Okagbue
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District 9140
2012 - Secretary, Rotaract Club of Metallurgical Training Institute.
2013 - Zonal Officer, Rotaract clubs in Anambra Zone
2015 - Secretary, Rotaract Club of ANSU
2016 - President, Rotaract Club of ANSU
District 9125
2019 - Chatter member, Rotaract Club of Ilorin Metro
District 1220
2023 - President, Rotaract Club of Nottingham Trent Uni
2024 - District Rotaract Representative
2024 - Became a Paul Harris Fellow
2025 - Experience Director and Country Representative, Rotaract GBI
As part of Rotaract, what projects have you been involved with? What did these project’s achieve, how was this made possible and why is this important to you?
I’ve had the privilege of leading and contributing to several meaningful projects. As Club President in 2016, I partnered with our sponsor club, the Rotary Club of Nnewi, to donate wheelchairs to over 20 individuals with disabilities who couldn’t afford mobility aids. We also paid hospital bills for new mothers who were unable to settle their medical expenses due to financial hardship. These projects were made possible through member contributions and external sponsorships. They remain close to my heart because they demonstrate how a single act of kindness can ripple through a community and restore dignity.
In 2024, as District Rotaract Representative for RI District 1220, I launched the Rotaract Litter Picking initiative in Nottingham. This collaborative effort between Rotaract clubs, the local council, and community agencies promotes environmental cleanliness and public health. It’s a simple yet powerful way to reduce infection risks and foster civic responsibility.
How have you been able to connect with others thanks to Rotaract?
Rotaract has been the gateway to some of the most meaningful relationships in my life. Many of my closest friends are fellow Rotaractors. Through events, collaborations, and outreach for sponsorships and fundraising, I’ve built a strong network of passionate, service-oriented individuals. These connections have enriched my life personally and professionally, and none of it would have been possible without Rotaract.
What opportunities has Rotaract given you to go beyond your local community?
Rotaract has taken me far beyond my local borders. In 2025 alone, I visited three countries through Rotaract engagements, each offering rich cultural exchange. At REM Prague, I participated in a vocational service project where we learned candle-making techniques and donated the handmade candles to a local charity. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for global service and the power of cross-cultural collaboration.
In 2023, during the Rotaract GBI National Conference, I volunteered in a joint initiative between the Rotaract Club of Westminster and the organisation Charity Begins at Home. Together, we distributed food, fruits, and drinks to a homeless shelter in London, feeding over 150 individuals in one day. It was a humbling and rewarding experience that reminded me of the impact we can make when we unite service with compassion.
How do you think you’ve grown as a person thanks to Rotaract? What opportunities have you had for your own personal development?
Before Rotaract, I was introverted and hesitant to speak up. Taking on a board role just a year after joining pushed me to develop my communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. Skills I now use confidently at work and in everyday life. Rotaract has shaped me into someone who embraces responsibility and seeks out opportunities to lead and serve.
Why should someone get involved with Rotaract and what advice would you give them?
Rotaract offers a holistic platform for growth. The Rotary’s five avenues of service: Vocational, Youth, Community, International, and Club Service, cover everything from personal development to global impact. Whether you’re looking to build skills, make lifelong friends, or contribute meaningfully to society, Rotaract gives you the tools and the community to do it.
What’s your proudest moment as a Rotaractor?
Being recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow was a deeply humbling and proud moment. It affirmed the value of the work I’ve done and the impact I’ve made through service
How does your Rotaract work reflect your passions or career goals?
My passion lies in helping others and creating lasting change. Through Rotaract, I’ve been able to live out that mission. Whether through community projects or mentoring others. It aligns perfectly with my career in public service, where I strive to lead by example and uphold values that inspire others.
If you could describe Rotaract in three words, what would they be?
