Chinyere Abiaziem 
…as 23rd president is unveiled
“Service to humanity is a divine call for all and I have accepted to serve and create a lasting impact in the lives of the less privileged in our community through the Lions Club International. I am grateful for the opportunity and privilege to serve…”
These were part of Lion Chike Akaeze’s words after receiving the baton of leadership at his public presentation as the 23rd president of the Ikeja Metro Mega Lions Club for 2024-2025 service year, after being elected in April.
Akaeze, who took over from Lion (Prince) Ahmed Olusi, said the Club joins other Lions across the world to achieve the eight global causes including vision, education, diabetes, childhood cancer, youth empowerment, hunger relief, environmental and humanitarian efforts.
According to him, the Ikeja Metro Mega Lions Club is committed to serving its community, improving its leadership skills and rekindling passion for service.
He added that the club has service activities for the year and a legacy project of building, equipping and donating a well-equipped toilet to a public school in Lagos State, while requesting financial donations and other support for the realisation of the global causes and planned core project.
The Immediate Past Club President, Lion Olusi at the public presentation, induction of members and fundraising event, said the club, which has the largest membership in District 404B2 Nigeria, was awarded the fifth best club in the outgoing service year.
Olusi highlighted some of the club’s achievements in different target areas, including free eye screening, donations of eye medications, 20 free cataract surgeries, planting of trees in three public schools in Ikeja, inter-school debate competition on childhood cancer and awareness campaign during the district convention in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Also, diabetes medical outreach for market women and men, distribution of three kg rice, empowering youths in Ipodo community with skills on production of household items like disinfectant, liquid soap and air freshner, celebrating Mathematics Day with Ojodu Junior High School and the renovation and the equipping of the ICT Centre of Omole Junior High School with “state of the art facilities, including 21 desktop computers, window blinds, and a projector to enhance ICT studies.”
He appreciated all for contributing to the success of his tenure and wished his successor well in the completion of his tenure.
Governor, District 404b2 Nigeria Lions International, Lion Tolulope Ayodeji Senbanjo, reminded of the year’s theme, ‘Service First:Creating a Lasting Impact’, while calling for boldness, innovation and collaboration in impacting communities positively.
“Remember the true measure of our success lies not in what we achieve but in the positive impact we create in the lives of others. I have no doubt that your club will excel in these areas and make a real difference…
“I urge you to prioritise leadership development, mentorship and training to equip your members with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles. Foster a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and respect, where every member feels valued and empowered to contribute,” Senbanjo stated.
On her part, International Director Constitutional Area VIII, Africa Lions International, Lion (Princess) Dame Adetope Tychus, advised: “Make a mark, let history remember you for good, for a person who loves to serve humanity.”
In his presentation: ‘Capacity building and training: How government/corporate Organisations can Support NGOs Effectiveness’, Dr. Seye Kehinde, Founder City People Group, commended Lions Club for the services they render and efforts in bettering the society.
He suggested ways of raising funds while emphasising the benefits of capacity building, measuring success/impacts and government’s support.
