Association to address poverty, empowerment through continued humanitarian services – Abodunrin
By Yusuf Yunus
L-R: First Vice District Governor, Lions Clubs District 404-B4 Nigeria, Taiwo Fatoki; Immediate Past District Governor, Kema Ashibuogwu; Multiple District Council Chairperson, Samuel Ayobola; Pioneer District Governor, District 404-B4, Samson Abodunrin; Immediate Past Multiple District Council Chairperson, Obo Edet; and Second Vice District Governor Adebowale Afolayan, at the Public presentation of the 404B4 Pioneer District Governor in Lagos… on Saturday 19/08/23.
The Lions Clubs International District 404B4 Nigeria, has said that it would continue to focus on combating hunger, and empowerment of widows and youths through humanitarian services in the society.
The District Governor, Mr Samson Abodunrin gave the assurance during a public presentation and donation session in Lagos.
Abodunrin cited that Nigeria like all other countries in the world is faced with serious challenge of unemployment, starvation, poverty, sever social and economic crisis.
He said that the organisation had positively impacted on communities by bringing succour to the less privileged in the country in particular and the world in general.
According to him, “We have constructed landmark projects in the country, some of which are: The Cancer screening and Treatment Centres, LASUTH.
“Diabetes Screening and Treatment Centres in Igando, Ikotun, Lagos, Ede in Osun State, LASUTH, and Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital.
“Dialysis Centres at LUTH, Akure and Ota, Lions Eye Clinics in General Hospitals at Isolo, Ota, Adeoyo in Ibadan, and currently nearing completion in Ogbomoso.
“The organisation also built the Lions motherless babies home in Lekki which is the largest motherless babies home in Africa.
“Others include a Care Giver’s Home, Alanu House in Ibadan and an Eye Hospital under construction in Abuja.
“We have provided borehole water, school materials and equipments, scholarships, cataract operations, food items, clothing materials, and relief materials among others,” he added.
The club’s District Governor also said that the financial donations and materials support realised would be used to enhance their capacity to continue the humanitarian services to communities.
According to Abodurin,” l request you to donate and partner with us as we put smiles on the faces of the less privileged, and the needy.”
“Be rest assured that your donations will assist us to reach out to more communities, do more for the needy, and the under-privileged.” he appealed.
Abodunrin said that the Lions Club Nigeria had been certified by Charity navigator as an association that had demonstrated strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency with a confirmed 4 Star rating.
He added that the organisations five Global causes were Diabetes, Environment, Hunger, Vision, and Childhood Cancer.
“It is proven that there is a correlation between hunger, nutrition, and health, therefore empowering the less privileged, widows, and unemployed youths will break the cycle of poverty in our country,” the Governor said.
He added that the district had decided to build a Vocational Centre for training the youths in various skills, and provide the required equipment materials, and start up grants for them.
“The estimated cost for the first phase of the project is N150,000,000 and when completed, will train over 500 youths and widows in the first year of its operation.
“There is no denying that it is a huge commitment, but it is do-able, and your support will go a long way to help us achieve the laudable goal.
“The world’s in a state of chaos, but amidst all the turmoil, there are moments of hope and inspiration,” said DG Abodurin
According to him, the desire to make the world a better place tallies with our lnternational President, Dr. Patti Hill’s theme: “Changing the World”.
“Do your little bit of good where you are, it is those little bits of good put together that overwhelms the world.”
“Changing the world starts with you but it doesn’t mean that you have to do it alone. The power to make the world a better place is in our hands.
“Every small act of kindness can change our communities forever so let us aid others by giving our sympathy to those in distress, our aid to the weak, and our substance to the needy,” he said.
The Business Intelligence (TBI Africa) reports that over N20 million was donated to this cause during the event.
