Tag: Lions Clubs

District 404B4 of Lions Clubs International, yesterday kicked off its convention in Ota, Ogun State.

Tagged: ‘Kitigbe 2026’, the convention with the theme: “Creating Endless Possibilities Together, was chaired by the District Governor, Adebowale Afolayan.

 Afolayan said at a press conference that the convention was an opportunity for them to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of Lionism in the District, Nigeria and abroad.

He said: “The District was born three years ago with 65 clubs; now we have about 73 clubs. This first district convention was held in Abeokuta, next was Ogbomoso and now we are in Ota, the ancient city of Aworiland. This record has significantly indicated membership growth with 1,581 members from the former 1,786, placing the district among the top-performing districts in Africa, currently ranking second continent-wide in membership growth.’’

Afolayan listed some of their programmes over the past seven months in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states ‘communities to include  diabetes screening/care, vision services, pediatric cancer support, with health institutions, including the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Adeoyo Specialist Hospital, and Federal Medical Centres in Abeokuta and Ilaro where it supported the less-privileged.

“Through our vision care programmes, many individuals who were at risk of avoidable blindness can now see clearly and live productive lives.

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“In education, the district has donated books to schools in Ibadan, renovated libraries, and implemented Reading Action Programmes in Ota aimed at improving literacy and leadership development among children,’’ he added

Afolayan acknowledged the support of corporate and institutional partners to the convention and district projects, adding that the district has engaged government and traditional institutions through visits to local governments, and the Ogun State Deputy Governor, reinforcing collaboration between Lions Club International and public leadership.

He highlighted that the convention would feature leadership development sessions, strategic meetings, fellowship activities, workshops and service engagements, designed to equip members for greater community impact.

 ‘’The convention’s theme reflects Lions’ commitment to collective action and compassion. Every hungry child, every sick patient unable to pay medical bills, and every struggling family is a call to service. As Lions, we will not rest until we create meaningful and lasting change,”Afolayan added.

The First District Vice Governor, Patience Okosi Ngene, praised the district leadership, members and media for their partnership and commitment in making life meaningful for the less-privileged, saying the media are critical in amplifying Lions International’s humanitarian mission.

‘’As we advance our district theme, we value the media as strategic partners in projecting our humanitarian initiatives, leadership efforts, and service outcomes across our communities,” she added.

International Lions Clubs,  Adelaja Adeleye has kicked off the organisation’s Global Service Week in Lagos, focusing on hunger relief across the communities within the district 404B3.

At the event held in the house of Past District 404B3 Governor (PGD) Bolarinwa in Akowonjo, Lagos, over 500 less-privileged, including people living with disabilities, received foods and other essential items,

 Adeleye said the Week is a Lions International initiative in which members  unite in service, carrying out impactful projects in their communities in line with the global causes. “It is indeed inspiring to know that as we serve here today, millions of Lions are doing the same in different parts of the world,’’ he said.

According to him, Lions Clubs International has over the years taken hunger relief as one of the core projects with local clubs worldwide organising food drives, feeding programmes, and sustainable food initiatives to combat food insecurity as part of their commitment to serving communities.

“Hunger remains one of the most pressing challenges facing our communities. In many homes, families struggle to put food on the table. Children go to school hungry, and vulnerable members of society face uncertainty about their next meal. We cannot close our eyes to this reality. This is why Hunger Relief is one of the core global causes of Lions International, and why the Week is so important., ‘‘he said.’

“The January Global Service Week calls on every Lion, every club, and every district to rise in unity and compassion — to translate our motto “We Serve” into tangible action. Whether through food distribution, community kitchens, school feeding programs, partnerships with food banks, or innovative local initiatives, every act of service counts,”  Adeleye said.

He stressed the need for all clubs under the district to participate actively and visibly in this week of service. “Let our projects be impactful, well-coordinated, and inclusive. Let us reach the hungry with dignity, empathy, and love. Beyond the distribution of food, let us also spread hope — the assurance that someone cares and that no one is forgotten.

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“I also encourage collaboration and partnership. When clubs work together, when we engage community stakeholders and align with relevant agencies, our impact is multiplied. This is how Lions continue to make a difference — not just in numbers, but in lives changed,” Adeleye added.

Welcoming the members and beneficiaries to the hunger relief programme, Committee Chairperson, Adetokunbo Adedamola, said the gathering was not just an event, but a purpose rooted in compassion, service, and the shared belief that no one in the communities should go to bed hungry.

She added: “As Lions, responding to this challenge is not optional—it is central to who we are and why we serve. Through this cause, Lions across the globe are united by a single mission to nourish lives and strengthen communities.

“For the 2025–2026 Lions Year, District 404B3 has set a clear and measurable goal—to provide nutritional support to vulnerable persons across Ota, Abeokuta, Ibadan and Lagos axis. These beneficiaries include families, widows, elderly, and individuals whose daily realities are shaped by economic hardship. This program is not a one-day gesture; it is a reflection of our district’s long-standing commitment to community service. Lions Clubs has over the years implemented impactful hunger relief initiatives that address immediate food needs while also contributing to improved health, social stability, and community development. Meaningful impact is never achieved alone.’’