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Ikeja Metro Lions Club New President Pledges Support For Government

November 12, 2019

47 5 minutes read

The District Governor, International Association of Lions Clubs, District 404B2 Nigeria, Lion Wesley O. Kafidiya, formally presenting Lion John Lucky Oriazowan to the public as the 18th president of Ikeja Metro Lions Club, at the Public Presentation while his wife Mrs. Faith Oriazowan watches in admiration during the 18th Club President’s Presentation/ Fundraising of Ikeja Metro Lions Club held at Solab Hotels & Suites on Saturday 9th November, 2019.

The new president of Ikeja Metro Lions Club, Lion John Lucky Oriazowan, has pledged his club’s readiness to support government’s efforts by providing succor to the needy and positively impacting the community through humanitarian services.

Lion John made the pledge in his acceptance speech at the public presentation, as the 18th president of the club Fundraising, Installation of Other Club Officers, and Induction of Members into the club in Lagos at the weekend.

He also called on other Nigerians with philanthropic heart to join the Lions in rendering selfless services to improve the standard of living in our communities, noting that governments cannot do all alone.

Lion John who expressed readiness to serve said the club in this Lions Service Year (2019/2020) would be embarking on 12 service activities, stating that “each month, we are expected to carry out a community need assessment project.”

He hinted that so far the club has embarked upon five projects, namely: Environmental Protection; Youth Engagement (donation of Sewing Machines and Hair Clippers, Hair Driers etc to the needy) Childhood Cancer; Vision and Diabetes.

Other community projects the club would embark during the year, according to the president, include, seeking Financial support towards the District Core Project of Lions Clubs Ophthalmology Centre for 2019/2020, provision of school uniforms, donation of exercise books and other educational materials to aid students’ in their education; provision of clothing and assistance to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs); donation of classroom desks and chairs to dilapidated schools among others.

While expressing his willingness to serve tirelessly, he called on other Nigerians to join the Lions Clubs in their drive to improve the wellbeing of the citizenry.

“I assure you that your financial contribution today will add value to the needy in our society, because we shall support the tireless efforts of the government as we all know government cannot do all of these alone. The government needs the support and partnership of NGO like us Lions Clubs International….,” he said.

The District Governor, International Association of Lions Clubs, District 404B2 Nigeria, Lion Wesley O. Kafidiya, in his address at the event, charged the incoming executives of the Club, to take their duties seriously by accomplishing the tasks of Lions Clubs International which include: membership growth/development and retention in the areas of care service such as diabetes, vision, paediatric cancer, environment and hunger as well as ensuring club’s participation in Campaign 100.

He specifically charged the new president of the club to lead by example; strengthen the club for impact as well as ensure the expansion of club service.

The Chairman of the occasion, Adeyemi Candide-Johnson (SAN), who was ably represented by Solomon Okedara Esq, in his opening remarks, extolled the qualities of Lion John Luck Oriazowan, whom he described as a responsive and responsible fellow known for his leadership qualities and commitment to every assignment.

He urged Nigerians to support the club by donating generously so that the new executives will be able to embark on community need assessment programmes line up by the club such as vision, childhood cancer, diabetes, hunger and environment amongst others.

In a lecture delivered by the Guest Speaker who is also a Past District Governor (PDG), Lion Asiwaju Ayobola Samuel, during the occasion, titled “Membership Recruitment: Pathway To Sustainable Service And Impact,” said there is need for more people to join the Lions Clubs in Nigeria.

According to him, “In Nigeria, only 7,600 people are members of Lions Clubs out of a population of 180 million people.”

He noted that the people around us who needs our service badly are so many compared to the number of available hands, hence, the clarion call for more service minded men and women to come and join.

PDG Lion Ayobola said the Lions Clubs need more members in order to expand their reach; to get more hands to serve; to get more resources to serve more people; to lessen the burden on the available few hands; and to spread the responsibility and the blessings that come with it to as many people as possible.

He said Lionism is neither a secret cult nor for selected individuals, adding that it is for those with passion for service, those with genuine love in their hearts for their fellow men.

Earlier in her Welcome Address, the Presentation/Fundraising Committee Chairperson, Lion Blessing Uzoamaka Umebali Who is also a Past President of Ikeja Metro Lions Club, harped on the imperatives and benefits of giving, calling on Nigerians to imbibe the culture of giving.

Borrowing a Chinese proverb which says, “Charity is not a bone you throw to a dog, but a bone you share with a dog,” to drive home her point, she called on all to share his/her resources with the needy among them.

Emphasizing on the benefit of giving, she said, “Giving gives you back more than you imagines. In fact, the greatest minds think that we are born to give and not just to receive. For many, there is no other sensation that comes close to the gratification that comes from giving.

“Charity is great for the giver in many ways. It is beneficial for your conscience and makes you feel better. It also makes you feel that you are a contributor to the universe around you. In order words, you feel like being able to make a difference. Whether you are a fundraiser or contributor, inspiration is one of the most important keys for taking that first step in charity.

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up, so let’s not give up in giving to the needy. And the most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. Let’s try again and again to give as God never counts how many times He blesses us,” she added.

Highlight of the occasion which was anchored by Lion Blessing Umebali, who is also a past President of Ikeja Metro Lions Club, was the Presentation of the new President, installation of new officers into the various positions and induction of new of new members.

Mr. Peter Ezesebor, Father of the Day; Lion John Oriazowan, President; Mr Daniel Osayande Assistant Commissioner of Police and Mrs Felicia Osayande

Lion John Oriazowan, IPDG Lekan Babalola, Special Guest of Honour, presenting Melvin Jones Fellow Award to Lion Anigbo Ikechukwu and Lion Lekan Owolabi

Lion Elizabeth Ibe, Immediate Past President handing over the symbol of authority to Lion John Oriazowan, new President

Lion John Oriazowan reading his acceptance Speech

Lion Femi Ladipo, District Chief of Staff (DCOS), Lion Wesley Kafidiya, District Governor, John Oriazowan, new President, Lion John Lucky Oriazowan and Lion Kayode Oshinuga, Second Vice District Governor

8th left, District Governor, Lion Wesley Kafidiya flanked by President, Lion John Lucky Oriazowan and members of Ikeja Metro Lions Club

President Lion John Oriazowan flanked by Male Lions in Suit

The glamorous happy Laddies of Ikeja Metro Lions Club

Lion Abiodun Adediji, Multiple Council Chairperson, PCC AVM Anthony Okpere; Lion Andrew Amadasun, Charter President; Lion Herbert Ehebha, Past President