Lions District 404B2 Nigeria on Friday, 25th and Saturday 26th of October 2024, organized service activities around the global causes of Lions International with focus on Diabetes, Youth Empowerment, Environment, Vision, Hunger and Childhood Cancer awareness in the Agege Local Government Area in Lagos State in an activity tagged “Pillars of Service” with over a thousand people benefiting from the various service activities.
The mega district event started with started with a tree planting exercise at the District Junior Secondary School and Sango Primary School in Agege, Lagos state where the impact of climate change was highlighted and the need to mitigate it by being environmentally friendly and not engaging in activities that harm the environment. Tree planting plays a crucial role in sustaining a healthy environment and supporting life on Earth. Planting trees is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect our planet, mitigate climate change, and ensure a sustainable future. Every tree planted contributes to a healthier, more resilient earth for future generations. Some of the key reasons why tree planting is so important include Carbon Sequestration, Air Quality Improvement, Water Cycle Regulation, Soil Preservation, Habitat and Biodiversity purposes, Climate Moderation, Human Health and Well-being, Economic/community and social Benefits amongst others. Lions continue to care not only for the people but also for the community and the ecosystem.
At a school complex in the local government in which many secondary schools such as Dairy Farm Secondary School, District Junior College, and Sango Secondary School, amongst others are situated, the pupils were given a lecture on the importance of the eyes and how to take care of them. Hundreds of pupils and staffs from different schools were screened for eye defects, and those that needed corrective lenses were given, while those that needed referrals were referred accordingly.
The medical mission on day two witnessed over 500 participants from the Agege and ogba axis showed up to be screened for Diabetes as well as undergo blood sugar test. Present at the activity were royal fathers and chiefs in the community who appreciated the effort of the District in providing succor and various health related exercises to help the people of the community. Monitoring blood sugar and blood pressure is crucial for maintaining good health, particularly because these measures can indicate early signs of serious conditions, like diabetes and hypertension, which can lead to further complications if left unmanaged. Together, these tests help people maintain cardiovascular and metabolic health, reduce risks of life-threatening conditions, and enable proactive management of health conditions. For many, regular monitoring can be lifesaving by allowing for early intervention and a greater quality of life.
Lions Club Hunger Relief is an initiative by Lions Clubs International (LCI) aimed at addressing food insecurity and hunger in communities worldwide. The program is part of our organization’s larger commitment to service, focusing on helping individuals and families who lack regular access to nutritious food. Hunger relief has become one of LCI’s key global causes, alongside vision care, diabetes awareness, childhood cancer, and environmental protection. Hunger remains a significant issue globally, impacting nearly 1 in 10 people worldwide. Lions Club Hunger Relief aims to tackle this by supporting food banks, organizing food drives, and partnering with local organizations to provide meals. District 404B2, in fulfilling this commitment, empowered farmers during the Pillar of service activity with high yield crop seedlings while also providing a packed cooked meal and raw foods for the needy and over 500 members of the community that showed up for the project.
The hunger relief exercise is vital because it addresses an essential need by providing food assistance, improving health outcomes, empowering farmers and improving agriculture as well as strengthening the community. Through this initiative, Lions of District 404B2 helps reduce food insecurity, promote healthier lives, and foster a stronger, more compassionate society. Relieving hunger is crucial because hunger affects individuals’ health, well-being, and ability to contribute productively to society. By addressing hunger, we improve health, education, productivity, stability, and equality, creating a stronger foundation for individuals and societies to thrive.
Youth empowerment is crucial because it enables young people to contribute positively to society, build confidence, and reach their full potential. When youth are empowered, they gain the skills, resources, and opportunities to make informed decisions, shape their futures, and tackle challenges, leading to more resilient and thriving communities. The district also organized youth empowerment training in the community for small and medium scale enterprises. 20 beneficiaries received startup equipment to produce liquid soap and toilet wash According to the project coordinator Lion Shittu Fashola, 20 beneficiaries received startup equipment to produce liquid soap and toilet wash. Also about 50 youths were equipped with barbing equipments.
The District Governor Lion Tolulope Sembanjo, stressed the club’s dedication to serving humanity. “Our goal is to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. We’re proud to have helped over 1000 Lagos residents through this initiative,” he noted. DG Senbanjo, however, called on the government to establish sustainable solutions to poverty and hunger. “We need to make agriculture attractive to young people and promote innovative farming methods,” he urged.
Service brings joy because it connects us to others, gives our actions meaning, and lets us see the positive impact we have on the world around us. Through service, we enrich others’ lives and in doing so, our own. In District 404B2 Nigeria, we place high premium on service, and our goal continues to be to make a mark and create a lasting impact. The pillar of service activity further illustrates the kindness of Lions and our commitment to service.
WHERE THERE IS A NEED, THERE IS A LION.
