Instals Mary Onu as new District Governor
The newly installed District Governor of Lions Club International District 404A3, Nigeria, Mary Onu, has unveiled a N100 million project, aimed at amplifying the Lions’ footprint across critical service areas. She disclosed this during her investiture ceremony as District Governor for the 2025-2026 Lions Year and fundraising ceremony in Lagos.
The event served as a platform to celebrate her inauguration and mobilise support for the district’s ambitious humanitarian projects under the theme “Passion for Service.” Onu, in her acceptance speech, expressed deep gratitude and affirmed her commitment to deepening the impact of Lions service.
“This honour is a call to action, and it comes at a time when the world needs compassion more than ever. We are not just continuing the work, we are expanding our reach,” she said.
The District Governor revealed that her core project for the year involves providing counterpart-funding for clubs to double their project impact.
“For instance, if they need N500,000 to carry out activities, we can make it N1 million so that they are able to double the impact of the service that they are giving their communities.”
“The N100 million target will fund diverse initiatives, including solar power installations for schools and hospitals, eye health programmes with cataract surgeries and free screenings, cancer and sickle cell support for vulnerable children, educational tools for over 1,000 children, empowerment of 100 women and youth, as well as assistance to persons with disabilities.
“Environmental awareness campaigns and support for persons with Down Syndrome and visual impairments are also included in the comprehensive project portfolio, all aligned with UNICEF Sustainable Development Goals.
“These projects align with UNICEF’s Sustainable Development Goals. There is need for public-private partnerships and individual contributions to achieve the district’s mission,” she added. Onu expressed confidence in achieving the funding target, saying that sponsors have already deposited between N500,000 and N10 million each into the district’s account.
“Everybody on that board has already put a donation of between N500,000 and N10 million already in the bank. So, we are blessed with quiet sponsors,” she noted.
However, she emphasised the need for additional support from the private sector, particularly highlighting the importance of partnerships beyond financial donations. She, however, called for expanded club’s presence in underserved areas like Epe, which currently lacks a Lions Club despite its size.
The outgone District Governor, Dr Folasade Shotomide, in her valedictory speech, highlighted significant milestones during her tenure, including renovating classrooms, installing boreholes, conducting free eye screenings, and providing health insurance for the elderly.
She mentioned that her administration also partnered with notable individuals to deliver impactful projects, such as cataract surgeries, and expanded the district’s reach by establishing new clubs.
The Multiple Council Chairperson for MD404 Nigeria, Dr Ibrahim Jide Bello, emphasised the organisation’s focus on eight global causes, including sight and vision, fighting hunger, environment, childhood cancer, humanitarian services, and mental health and well-being.
Bello noted that with Nigeria’s population exceeding 200 million, the country’s Lions Club membership of just over 10,000 requires significant expansion to maximise service impact.
“Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million, our membership strength is less than just about 10,000 plus. So, we actually need volunteers and philanthropists to equally join Lions Club International,” he stated.
The Lions Club International remains committed to addressing pressing societal challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and promoting peace and justice for sustainable development globally.
