******Empowers Badagry indigenes anr elderly
In caring for Nigeria’s teeming youths , the Lions Club International, District 404B1, Nigeria, says it plans to extend its awareness on pediatric childhood cancer to Badagry area of Lagos.
The District Governor, 404B1 2022-2023, Mrs Kema Ashibuogwu, who said this in Lagos on Wednesday, noted that the club would deepen its presence in Lagos by working towards establishing the club in Badagry.
She said the Badagry project would involve tree planting project, to create a green environment and enlighten the people on eco-friendly projects.
“A planned convention to herald the programme in Badagry will help in enlightening the people about what the Lions Club does, and also to raise awareness about childhood cancer.
“The club has also mobilised adequate resources to energise the community and enhance residents’ skill acquisition capacity.
“Our plan involves giving away sewing machines, grinding machines, walking sticks to the elderly, and exercise books to children.
“Under the plan, there will be a march-past on Feb. 15, which is a global awareness month for children living with cancer.
Ashibuogwu said, “The march-past is to raise awareness and celebrate children living with cancer.
“The event will also be used to honour the child of a Lions Club member who died of cancer two to three weeks ago.
Speaking further on the district convention in Badagry, she said that more than 1, 200 Lions Club members had registered for the convention, adding that the club would provide free transportation to convey members to Badagry.
She explained that the club decided to pick childhood cancer as its project having realised that most Nigerians did not know childhood cancer existed.
According to Ashibuogwu, people pay do not attention to childhood cancer.
“I needed something different as my course in the club. So, when I spoke with some of my friends, they said childhood cancer do not exist.
“That was how I discovered that the awareness of childhood cancer is low and I decided to pick it.
“A lot of people need to know children can have cancer and we decided to create awareness of it,” she added.
The governor explained that the club would raise more funds for the treatment and diagnoses of childhood cancer, adding that parents should avoid self-medication.
Ashibuogwu said the Lions Club international had approved a grant worth $147,000 to construct a caregiver home at the Federal Medical Center, Yaba.
She also said the club is establishing a caregiver home for people taking care of children living with cancer.
“The club is also using community grant being approved for Lions Club to do an awareness programme to sensitize people about childhood cancer.
“Construction of the caregiver home will commence in February and to be completed in March,’’ she said.
Ashibuogwu also announced an International Convention where Lions Club members from Nigeria meet other members from different countries.
“Last year’s convention was in Montreal. They will travel to Boston for this year’s convention. They will travel to Venice on June 23 and come back on June 30.
“During the convention in Venice, they plan to showcase Nigerian products such as Ankara, Adire, etc.” the DG said.
