By Azuh Arinze
*Photo: Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi(left), Azuh Arinze(right)*
It all began with an unexpected phone call. My Truecaller had identified the caller as Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi. Yes, we had met and interacted a few times at the Council of Governors meetings and other programs – during and after my tenure as District Secretary, Rotary International, District 9110, covering over 140 clubs in Lagos and Ogun States. But never before had he personally called me or even sent a text.
I was seated beside our current District Governor, Rotary International, District 9111, Prince Henry Akinyele, during an official DG Visit when the call came through. I stepped out to answer, hoping it wasn’t one of those scammers who thrive on impersonation – because this particular impersonation would have been a costly mistake!
The moment I heard the voice, all doubts vanished. It was unmistakably PJAA – soft, distinct, and broadcaster-like.
He began by saying kind words about me, then added that he had just discovered I wasn’t only a journalist but also an author – with nine books to my name! Deploying his characteristic charm, he asked why none was in his library. Amid laughter, I promised to fix that as soon as I returned from Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Yesterday – Friday, October 17, 2025 – I fulfilled that promise. Again, in the company of DG Prince Henry Akinyele and DES Mr. Michael Effiong James. We visited the former Minister of Health and founder of Juli PLC at his serene Ikeja GRA, Lagos residence.
I presented to him copies of all my books: The CEO’s Bible 1 & 2, Success Is Not Served À La Carte, Anything and Everything Journalism, Conversations With Showbiz Stars, Encounters: Lessons From My Journalism Career, My Story of Many Colours, Tested and Trusted Success Secrets of the Rich and Famous, and A Taste of Success. I also gave him copies of The Governor Newsletter for Rotary Clubs in Lagos and Ogun States, which I edit as Editor-in-Chief.
What followed was four unforgettable hours of learning and inspiration. The father of Rotary in Nigeria – fondly called The Doyen – shared profound lessons on Rotary, life, integrity, industry, perseverance, charity, creativity, betrayal, and forgiveness.
It was, without a doubt, one of the most enriching and soul-lifting experiences of my life – four hours I will forever cherish and treasure.