By Ijeoma Umeh
On Sunday, July 2, Lions under the aegis of Edo Lions converged on the premises of the Ambrose Alli University Guest House along Boundary Road in GRA Benin City to reflect on the outgone Lions Year, do a reappraisal of their collective achievements as Lions and make projections ahead the new Lions Year 2023/24 which took effect on July 1.
The event, tagged: Finishing Strong was held under the Chairmanship of Chevron Monarch Lion John Atafo PMJF NLCF.
Among Lions who attended the event included Past Region and Zone Chairpersons, and Past and current Club Presidents from clubs in then Regions 9 and 10 before
the bifurcation of the District also culminated into Regions 4, 5 and 6 under the new District 404-A4
Nigeria, led by Lion Dr Kofoworola Jegede as District Governor.
The event was also used as a platform to give honour to whom it is due by the recognition and awards presented to Lions in appreciation of the efforts they made and zeal demonstrated in their exemplary leadership and how they distinguished themselves in service to humanity.
While encomiums were showered on Lions, Clubs which had excelled in leadership dynamics and membership growth were also singled out and given recognitions.
As the awards Ceremonies progressed, Certificates of Commitment were also presented to past and incoming Club Presidents, Secretaries and other club officers.
Also among Lion leaders who graced the event waa Lion Osadebamwen Okoro, Second Vice District Governor, District 404-A4, and he was among Lions who were presented with Award Plaques in recognition of their worthwhile contribution to the growth of the Lions Clubs through personal commitment of resources and leadership development.
In his opening remarks, Lion Galvin Osaretin Osayande, outgoing Region 10 Chairperson and now District Marketing Chairperson stated that Lions are part of a global community which shared a common goal to serve humanity and make positive impact.
He tasked all to embrace Lionism with a renewed sense of dedication, unity and compassion and enjoined all to work together as teams, stating that working together can help Lions overcome challenges, seize opportunities and attain remarkable milestone.
He appreciated the District Governor, Lion Dr Kofoworola Jegede for her resilience and hardwork and commended her for taking giant steps in setting achievable goals for the new Lions Year 2023/24 and called on all Lions to give the administration maximum support.
He also congratulated all club Presidents and other duly elected officers and tasked them on membership growth and club expansion.
Also in his remarks, Lion Engr Ambrose Ohonba, Region 9 Chairperson, represented by Lion Dr Bala Anegbe, Immediate Past Zone 9B Chairperson appreciated all Lions in both Regions for their unwavering commitment to the ideals of Lionism and urged them to sustain the pace. He particularly thanked all the Zone Chairpersons, congratulated all incoming leaders and tasked them on greater efficiency on growing the Lions International in the 2023/24 Lions Year.
Lion John Atafo, Chevron Monarch, praised the resilence of Lions and thanked all who made the past Lions Year worth it in terms of commitment to the service of humanity. He urged all Lions to see service to humanity as service to divinity and be more diligent, showing greater commitment.
Lion Osadebamwen Okoro; Second Vice District Governor, D404-A4 dedicated his award of honour to all Lions and also used the platform to express gratitude to all Lions, both in Nigeria and in the diaspora for the support he got during the funeral ceremony of his father.
The Second Vice District Governor enjoined Lions to put in extra effort to ensure District 404-A4 grew from strength to strength .
Lion Yakubu Briamah, Past Region Chairperson, Lion Omuwa Elegon, aka Madam Lagos were among Lion leaders who received the awards of honour, while Lion Galvin Osayande and Lion Patience Eferyanan, outgoing Zone 9A Chairperson received commendations for being awarded the Best Region Chairperson and Best Zone Chairperson respectively during the District 404-A1 valedictory session/awards ceremony held recently in Lagos.
Benin Elites Lions Club was among Clubs which were recognized for their commitment to the service of humanity.
The event has been described by Edo Lions as memorable and first ever of such event held in the Regions.
