Babalola Official Visit to Prishtina and Tirana: Rotary District 2485 Prepares for a Historic Event
Two capitals, two countries, one shared message of Rotary dialogue and cooperation
Prishtina and Tirana, the capitals and reference cities of two distinct countries, Kosovo and Albania, will be at the center of the official visit of the Rotary International President-elect for the year 2026–2027, Olayinka Hakeem Babalola. This is a highly significant occasion for Rotary District 2485 Albania and Kosovo, involving the entire district leadership in a collective and coordinated effort of preparation.
A Visit That Brings Two Countries Together
The decision by President-elect Olayinka Hakeem Babalola to visit Prishtina and Tirana simultaneously is far from coincidental. The two cities represent not only the institutional centers of District 2485, but also the capitals of two sovereign states, symbolizing dialogue, cooperation, and friendship among different communities. Through this visit, Rotary International reaffirms its role as a bridge between peoples and territories.
Joint Efforts of the District Leadership
Leading the preparations are the current Governor of District 2485, Arben Dushi, and the Governor-elect, Florentina Dushi, who are engaged in close and continuous collaboration. Their joint work ensures institutional continuity between the current and upcoming Rotary years, as well as careful organization from a protocol, logistical, and communication standpoint.
Governor Arben Dushi is responsible for coordinating official activities and institutional relations, while Governor-elect Florentina Dushi oversees the strategic vision and the alignment of the district with the priorities of the future Rotary International President.
Prishtina: The Heart of the Welcome
In Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo, the Rotary International President-elect will be welcomed by the entire District. The central moment of the visit will be the Charity Gala Dinner, scheduled for 27 January 2026 at Che Bar Marigona, with Babalola attending as Guest of Honor.
In addition to its high institutional value, the event will have a strong charitable purpose, with funds raised supporting service projects for the benefit of local communities.
Tirana: Institutional Meetings and a Vision for the Future
The stop in Tirana, the capital of Albania, will be dedicated to institutional meetings, dialogue with Albanian Rotary clubs, and presentations of the President-elect’s vision and priorities. The joint presence of the current Governor and the Governor-elect will underscore the unity and maturity of District 2485 within the international Rotary context.
A Strong Signal for International Rotary
The visit of Olayinka Hakeem Babalola to Prishtina and Tirana sends a strong signal of attention to South-East Europe and confirms District 2485 as an active, credible, and forward-looking Rotary community. It is an event that strengthens the sense of Rotary belonging and opens new perspectives for collaboration and service.
Through a shared working approach and a common vision, Arben Dushi and Florentina Dushi are guiding Rotary District 2485 toward an event of high symbolic and institutional value. The visit of the Rotary International President-elect is not only a celebratory moment, but also a concrete opportunity to strengthen ties between Rotary, communities, and the territories of Albania and Kosovo.
