Lions Club International District 404B4 has begun its service activities for the 2026/2027 service year, with District Governor, Lion Patience Okosi, identifying children with diabetes as a key focus of her administration.
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Okosi said the district would partner with health centres in its communities and, where necessary, sponsor children with diabetes as part of efforts to support those affected by the condition.
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“My key focus for this Lions service year is on children with diabetes. Because we know a lot of people are dying slowly, we want to concentrate on that,” she said, adding that the district would work with health centres around its communities to encourage and support children with diabetes.
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The district had earlier announced plans to reach 10,000 beneficiaries and raise N100 million for its programmes during the 2026/2027 service year.

Giving an update on the administration’s activities, Okosi said: “We have started, and I think we have served up to 100. And we will do more.”
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The district had identified diabetes screening as its flagship intervention, with plans to establish screening centres, provide referrals and expand awareness, alongside programmes in vision care, skills acquisition, widow empowerment.
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On funding, Okosi reaffirmed the district’s N100 million fundraising target, saying she expected commitments from friends to be redeemed.
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“We are looking at 100 million. And by God’s grace, I know it’s going to be a project that is almost done, as we speak,” she said.
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The immediate past District Governor, Lion Pharm Adebowale Afolayan, said the previous administration implemented projects covering diabetes, hunger, vision, childhood cancer and the environment.
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He said the administration screened people for diabetes and glycemic conditions, referring those at risk to health centres, while vision interventions included screening, surgeries, medication and lifestyle modification. He also cited a borehole near Ibadan, water provision in Abeokuta, a 33 KVA generator for three communities, an empowerment centre, a classroom block and educational support for students.

Also speaking, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Lion Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, congratulated Okosi and said Ogun State was preparing to host the Lions multiple district convention in Abeokuta next year.
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Salako said she looked forward to working with the local organising committee to make the convention memorable, adding that she would be winding down her tenure as district governor around the same period.
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Hon. Dau Tekenah, represented by Insurance Executive, RMF Insurance Brokers, John Ethagbe, pledged his “moral and financial support” to Okosi’s administration and urged partners and well-wishers to support Lions’ humanitarian programmes.
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Head of the Department of Political Science, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa, Prof. John Kalama, who spoke on “Non-governmental Organisations and National Development: Lions Club International in Focus,” said NGOs complement government efforts by mobilising resources and providing services including healthcare and education. He cited Lions’ interventions in vision care, healthcare and feeding programmes as examples.
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The public presentation also featured the installation of the First Vice District Governor, Second Vice District Governor and other district team members, as well as regional and zone chairpersons and club presidents.