In his second year, Sunny stepped up as the Club President while also serving as the Area Representative to the District Rotaract Representative, supporting three other clubs. His dedication to Rotaract led him to attend international events like the Sheffield UK Inter Rota in 1986 and the Africa Europe Summit in Zeist, Netherlands, in 1989, where he discussed the future of Rotaract.
After reaching the age limit for Rotaract, Sunny had a brief stint with the Jaycees before becoming a Rotarian in 2001. He went on to serve as District 9101 Governor for the year 2022-2023, contributing significantly to both club and district initiatives.
Sunny's passion for Rotary goes beyond traditional service; he is deeply involved in Rotary fellowships and action groups, which he views as essential indicators of Rotary engagement and motivational tools for Rotarians. He actively participates in nine Rotary Fellowships and Action Groups, including:
- Rotary International Yachting Fellowship (IYFR) – where he serves as the Regional Commodore for Africa.
- WASH Rotary Action Group (WASH RAG) – as a Life Member and Ambassador for District 9101.
- Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development (RAGCED) – serving on its Board as a Director for two years.
Empowering Communities Through Microfinance Projects
Sunny Akuopha has been a driving force behind impactful microfinance projects in Mali and Guinea Bissau, creating significant changes in local communities.
Mali Soap and Food Production Support: Sunny's initiative in Mali aimed to empower women and polio survivors in the Kalabanbougou area. Through a collaboration with the Rotary Club of Bamako Ouest and a local NGO, the project trained 50 women leaders in soap production, equipping them with the necessary tools and marketing skills. This initiative also supported polio survivors by teaching them how to produce packaged staple foods, giving them a means to generate income and sustain their livelihoods.
Guinea Bissau Market Gardening Project: In Guinea Bissau, Sunny played a key role in a market gardening project that directly involved 300 women, impacting the lives of over 1,200 people daily. This initiative, supported by the local Rotary club and other partners, provided funds and training to women for urban gardening, creating job opportunities for young women, older women, and even former street children, turning their lives around and giving them a productive purpose.
Sunny believes these projects do more than foster economic and local development; they empower individuals and transform communities, creating a ripple effect that reaches beyond the immediate beneficiaries.
Through his unwavering dedication and leadership, PDG Sunny Akuopha continues to make a lasting impact on communities in need, demonstrating the true spirit of Rotary's motto: "Service Above Self."