By Ijeoma Umeh
Members of the International Association of Lions Clubs in Region 9 and 10 were at the weekend engaged in two days of intense humanitarian activities as the District Governor, District 404-A1, Lion Anogwi Anyanwu PMJF NLCF visited the Regions.
Speaking on the relevance of the visit, Lion Galvin Osaretin Osayande NLCF, Region 10 Chairperson, who received the District Governor in company of other Lion leaders, stated that the visit is part of the District’s Need Assessment of clubs under the DG’s watch.
The
Region Chairperson also added that the visit was an opportunity for members in both Regions to engage with the District Governor and interact in a more convivial atmosphere.
Also speaking, Lion Dr Bala Anegbe, Zone 9B Chairperson, who also stood in the capacity of Lion Engr Ambrose Ohonba MIET, Region 9 Chairperson, noted that the District Governor will brainstorm with members on the progress in the two regions and properly articulate on the problems and prospects of clubs and give advice on the way forward.
Part of the itinerary of the District Governor while on the visit was the Commissioning of Plastic Waste Bins and Receptacles, one of the DG’s pet projects which clubs in the regions keyed into, Commissioning of an environmental awareness creation signpost erected at Uselu Market, interactive session with Lions in the two Regions and a hospitality night with the DG.
The District Governor was also featured in a live discussion segment on Vibes FM, Benin City and engaged the media on several questions concerning the history and purpose of Lionism in Nigeria and the globe at large.
While commissioning 13 Plastic Receptacles and Waste Bins at the Edo State Specialist Hospital yesterday, April 22, the District Governor stated that the purpose is to encourage people to properly dispose of their reusable Plastic cans to avoid environmental hazards.
He stated that Plastic cans, when not properly disposed, clogged water planes and flood paths, and that since they were non-biodegradable materials, they remained in the clogged space for a long time, causing environmental problems.
In attendance at the Specialist Hospital were staff of the Environmental Health Department in Oredo, led by Mrs Blessing Ehigiator, Director, Environmental Health Services, who commended the District Governor and the Lions Clubs for making the worthwhile sacrifice in donating the waste receptacles.
They commended the Lions for their involvement in humanitarian services, particularly their worthwhile contributions in restoring Environmental Health and sanity in the ecosystem.
Also appreciating the International Association of Lions Clubs, Mr Peter Isele, a Director in the Ministry of Health, stated that waste management is first and foremost an attitude which everyone must adopt in a bid to taking the right steps in safe guarding the environment.
“I wish all state governments would build on what you have started. These receptacles will go a long way in erosion control and we deeply appreciate it.” He stated.
At Uselu Market where he also Commissioned the Signboard donated by the Ugbowo New Ugbowo Lions Club, the District Governor praised the efforts of members of the Club for creating awareness on environmental issues and stated that the Signboard will be a continous reminder to both traders and buyers on the need to keep the market environment healthy at all times.
Also appreciating the Lions, Hon.Eghosa Oni-Edigin, Waste Manager Representing Egor Local Government Area stated that the Lions had done a Nobel deed and enjoined them not to rest on their oars in carrying out more humanitarian services.
At the Interactive Session with Lions which was held at the Benin Recreation Club in GRA, Benin city, the DIstrict Governor addressed various issues and challenges being faced by clubs, including the issue of club strengthening, membership reappraisal and issues on leadership dynamics.
He encouraged club leaders to see the need to continue to support weak members in order to grow the District which he said is also deficit in membership.
“We need to continue painstakingly to strengthen clubs and encouraging members who may be weak in meeting their membership obligations.
We need to ensure as leaders that clubs do not die. Leadership may come and go, but the Lions Clubs will remain.” The District Governor stated.
He added, “I don’t want medals but sustainable membership.”
The District Governor also stated that leadership training of Lions is a continous development strategy which will not only help Lions to be good Lions but will also help them to be good citizens and improve their chosen career paths.
He stated that the bifurcation has automatically increased the span of interaction with clubs, adding that henceforth, interactions with clubs will be more robust.
Appreciating the District Governor for the Visit, Lion John Atafo PMJF NLCF, Chevron Monarch, thanked him for making the bifurcation possible and noted that it has brought accelerated leadership strides to leaders in the District. The Lion Leader also made donations to the cause of humanitarian services.
The District Governor used the visit to decorate Lion leaders with the DG’s pin and also presented an award to Lion Patience Eferyanan NLCF, Zone 9A Chairperson. Highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of a bronze plaque to the DG as a memento from the Regions. The newly chartered Omega Leos Club of the Benin Centennial Lions Club also presented the Benin native beads to the District Governor.
Decorating the District Governor, the President, Leo Petals Chinaza Umeh expressed appreciations to the District Governor for facilitating the Chartering of the Leo Club and giving the young Lions an opportunity to excel.
Lion leaders present at the Interactive session included Lion Osadebamwen Okoro NLCF, past Region Chairperson and incoming first Vice District Governor, Lion Charles Osagie PMJF, GMT Coordinator, Lion Hassiya Momoh, District Protocol III, and a host of other Lion leaders.
