BY RITA OYIBOKA
The District Governor of Lions Clubs International, District 404A4, Lion Robinson Omonigho-Okoro, has pledged purposeful and strategic leadership as the new Lion year begins, with diabetes advocacy taking centre stage among other service priorities.
He made this known during a press briefing held in Asaba, Delta State, under the theme ‘Legacy of Service’.
Addressing club presidents and members, Lion Omonigho-Okoro declared that the year heralds a new dawn of hope, impact, and intentional community service.
“I know that leadership is not an easy task, but I believe we have been well-prepared over the past two years. And as I look into your faces, I see love, I see support, I see inspiration, and I see a renewed passion to serve. That is what gives me the confidence to carry out this great assignment,” he said.
The DG stressed that the district will remain focused on the global causes of Lions Clubs International, particularly highlighting diabetes as a critical health challenge.
Citing research, he said diabetes has caused over 30 million deaths globally and contributes to nearly 11 per cent of kidney failure and other health complications, including lower limb amputations.
“Despite its threat, awareness remains low. Lions Clubs International District 404A4 will rise to this challenge by promoting community-wide testing and awareness. We shall not only advocate but also provide treatment and relief,” he noted.
Lion Omonigho-Okoro reiterated that while the district sets the tone, the actual implementation rests with the clubs. “Our clubs shall be encouraged, inspired, and motivated to reach interior communities around them and ensure this year’s major objective is carried out effectively and efficiently,” he added.
To strengthen the implementation process, Lion Omonigho-Okoro said he has set up coordinators in each zone across the district, including Warri, Asaba, Benin City, and Ondo State, who will work closely with regional chairpersons and clubs.
He also unveiled a new service structure built around the nine global causes of Lions Clubs International. Club Presidents were charged to ensure each club has a Membership Director and Directors for each global cause.
A unified service calendar will guide all activities, with clubs across the district executing the same service projects during the same weeks. This, he said, will not only improve coordination but enhance the visibility of the Lions’ impact across Nigeria.
“To ensure impactful service this year, I have adopted ‘Legacy of Service’ as my motto, not for self-glorification, but because I envision a new horizon in how we serve our people,” he declared.
Also speaking, the Past District Governor, Lion Mrs Patricia Udeme, highlighted the strides made by Lions International since its inception and reaffirmed the commitment to humanitarian values and sustainable impact.
“The growth in Lion’s Club is enormous because we reach out. Everywhere there is a Lion’s Club, there is a legacy project. In Shagamu, we have the only accident clinic in Nigeria located on the expressway. Coming to our Delta State, in Warri, there is what I believe to be the best eye hospital in the South-South region of this country,” she said, calling on members to remain steadfast in their philanthropist endeavours.
Meanwhile, the Presentation Chairperson, Lion Afam Nmah, addressed the gathering and encouraged members to continue serving, acknowledging that while service is not easy, it is the very reason they joined the club.
He urged everyone to put their hands on deck to ensure they do their very best for the people.
