By Grace Ijeoma Umeh
Recently, Dr Kofoworola Jegede, Pioneer District Governor, District 404-A4 stormed Benin City on a familiarization visit to cross-pollinate ideas with members of the Lions Club International in Edo State.
Her itinerary was claustrophobic and in dire need of a breather yet she was undaunted and determined to unwind with Lions and feel their pulse.
Here was a Lion who was enroute other places under the then District 404-A1, a sleek mobile office, a laptop, in hand, ready to sort out grey areas pertaining to Lions’ activities and the schedule of events around her upcoming presentation slated for September in Akure, Ondo State.
She used the opportunity to interact with Edo Lions, energetic and attentive to details, she eagerly answered their several questions bordering on Club membership, generating club dues, managing distressed clubs, leadership dynamics, networking, fundraising for projects, among others.
Like a Daniel coming to judgment, she also met with leaders who needed her timely mediation on conflicts of interest, and methodically, she resolved all the issues raised and calmed frayed nerves.
There was a part of the interactive session which Edo Lions found quite awe-inspiring: the segment when Dr Kofo Jegede gave an inkling into activities that would characterize her administration as Pioneer District Governor, District 404-A4 for the 2023/2024 Lions Year.
Like a sage, she was wise to only give a tip of all she had articulated for the year in perspective, but Edo Lions sat up in their seats, each Lion nodding in quiet affirmation, all in unanimous agreement that indeed, something outstanding was about to happen in the District.
The highly motivated Lions wished she had let it all bare, for she truly brought fine thoughts to the table!
Without the full dossier regardless, Lions were already excited. The presentation was elucidated and impeccable. Listening to this dynamic leader as she spoke extempore, and learning from her team spiritedness as she consulted with her team where there was a doubt, Edo Lions were sure the new Lions Year held promises which they were eager to partake in the fulfillment thereof.
For Lion Dr Kofoworola Jegede PMJF NLCF, it is clearly going to be 12 months’ intensive humanitarian services, and of course, a Lions’ Year in full bloom!
For the great Lion, it would have just sufficed that she has conjugal ties with a Past District Governor and Past Council Chairman, Lion Olumuyiwa Jegede, the oldest serving Past District Governor (PDG), by Lions hierarchical structure in the newly bifurcated District 404-A4 Nigeria, a distinguished Lion with 25 International Conventions and Fora in his kitty, including having the benefits of extensive wide range trainings both as Trainer and Trainee, however, Lion Dr Kofoworola Jegede has equally carved a niche for herself as a trail blazer in Lionism, bringing it to double the amount of grace that this woman is imbued with and the wealth of experiences she would bring to the table as Pioneer District Governor in the new Lions’ Year.
It is therefore putting it mildly, that Kofo Jegede is indeed, hardwork personified herself!
Now, there is no gain reiterating the fact that Lion Dr Kofoworola Jegede moves as swiftly as if she has springs on her toes, the point however is: Lions would need double hardwork to catch up with her gait and they are assuredly determined to do so!
With new targets to meet in membership drive, new expectations in growing viable clubs through model clubs, and advancing Lions activities by creating awareness through club billboards, it sure is the marriage of hardwork and service!
“We can do this together when we move in unison. It may sound outlandish, or bogus, but I am confident it is achievable, particularly when we work SMART and in one spirit. We can make our District a model. The credit is for all of us, no single Lion takes it all. Let’s grow our clubs and our District will stand out. Do we agree it is achievable?” The DG asked.
The affirmative roar of Lions was palpable.
“Yes, we can!” Their responses reverberated above the noise of the deluge that rainy day in Benin City.
Reinvigorated and charged to excel, Lions in the Pioneer District 404-A4 today welcome the new Lions’ Year with renewed zeal, ready to do exploits, chaperoned by a doubly engraced and experienced District Governor who is ready at all times to show clear direction.
Born to the family of Pa Christopher Bosede and Mama Deborah Aisida of Ifon, Ondo State on June 12, 1965, Lion Kofoworola Jegede’s incursion into Lionism spans well over 36 years having joined the association as a charter member of Akure Owena Lioness Club in 1987. The club later metamorphosed into Akure Owena Golden Lions Club in 1997. She had held several positions of various programs in Lionism both locally and internationally ever since.
The Retired Public Health Practitioner holds both a Masters and Doctorate degrees in Public Health from the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife and the International University Business School, United Kingdom respectively.
Her union with the Past Council Chairperson, Lion Olumuyiwa Tokunbo Jegede is blessed with loving and God fearing children.
Welcome to a new Lions Year!
