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As Rotary International ushers in a new Rotary Year today, July 1, 2025, history is being made in District 9127 with the emergence of Dame (Dr.) Princess Joy Nky Okoro, FIMC, CMC, as the 2025–2026 District Governor. A woman of many firsts, Dame Princess Joy steps into this prestigious role with decades of professional, humanitarian, and Rotary leadership experience behind her.

Born on April 16, 1962, in Jos, Plateau State, and originally from Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Dame Princess Joy has built a life defined by service, leadership, and impact.

Before her Rotary journey began, Dame Princess Joy carved an enviable career in public administration. With over 35 years of dedicated service in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Abuja, she rose through the ranks to become the first female Director and General Manager of the FCT Water Board.

In that role, she championed critical reforms in water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), introduced a Rapid Response Team to tackle illegal water connections, and drove revenue reforms that significantly improved service delivery.

Her career trajectory also includes roles as Cultural Officer, Senior Administrative Manager, Principal Administrative Officer, and Director of Administration and Finance, marking her as a consummate civil servant and trailblazer for women in leadership.

Dame Princess Joy’s academic profile is as impressive as her professional journey. She holds a B.Sc. in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Maiduguri and an M.Sc. in International Relations and Strategic Studies from the University of Jos.

She further earned a Doctor of Science in Business Management and Corporate Leadership from the European American University, Panama, and was awarded a Doctorate in Public Administration (Honoris Causa) by Cornerstone University & Theological Seminary, Jerusalem, Israel.

She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Climate Change at the University of Jos, a clear demonstration of her commitment to lifelong learning and global issues.

Professionally, she holds fellowships and certifications from prestigious institutions like the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC), the Institute of Corporate Public Administrators of Nigeria (ICPAN), and the Institute of Corporate Professionals (ICP), as well as being a Certified Management Consultant (CMC).

Dame Princess Joy’s Rotary journey began in 2005 with the Rotary Club of Asokoro, Abuja. Her leadership gifts soon shone through as she chartered the Rotary Club of Abuja Maitama in the 2012/2013 Rotary Year with a remarkable starting strength of 37 members.

Her Rotary leadership track record is defined by her service as the District Governor’s Special Representative on multiple occasions, her tenure as Assistant Governor between 2015 and 2017, and her impactful role as District Chair for Alumni Relations and Women in Rotary.

She was instrumental in growing membership across the district and played a pivotal role in chartering clubs like RC Abuja Asokoro Diamond and RC Abuja Guzape.

Known for her energy and dedication, she has attended all District Conferences across Nigeria and has represented Nigeria at 12 international Rotary peace conferences. Her global impact is further underscored by her deep involvement in the polio eradication campaign, a Rotary flagship project she holds dear.

Beyond her Rotary and professional commitments, Dame Princess Joy’s life has been steeped in philanthropy from her youth. Notable among her recent humanitarian projects are solar-powered borehole installations in underserved communities and widow support programs in Anambra State. Her dedication to humanitarian causes has earned her multiple accolades, including being named an Ambassador for Peace by the Universal Peace Federation.

Within Rotary, she holds esteemed recognitions such as Paul Harris Fellow (PHF), Paul Harris Society Member (PHA), Major Donor Level 2, Polio Plus Champion, and Rotary Benefactor.

Away from public glare, Dame Princess Joy is deeply rooted in her Christian faith. She is an active church worker, a Knight of St. Christopher, and a committed chorister. Her family remains a source of strength and pride. Married to the late Senator Fidelis Chukwuemeka Okoro, she is a mother of four and grandmother to seven. Today, in addition to her Rotary service, she runs a private real estate business with operations within and outside Nigeria.

As District Governor for 2025–2026, Dame Princess Joy Nky Okoro’s leadership promises to build on Rotary’s core values of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership.

Her agenda is expected to focus on membership growth and retention, women and youth empowerment in Rotary, climate action and sustainability projects, health and water sanitation initiatives, and peacebuilding and conflict prevention programs. Her commitment to “Service Above Self” remains unwavering.

As the new Rotary Year begins, District 9127 stands poised for growth, transformation, and greater community impact under the inspiring leadership of Dame (Dr.) Princess Joy Nky Okoro, FIMC, CMC—a leader whose life’s work exemplifies Rotary’s enduring motto: “Doing Good in the World.”

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