By Damiete Braide
The International Association of Lions Clubs, Lagos Achievers Lions Club District 404 A1, has inaugurated Olaleye Shotomide as the 24th president and other club officers for 2022/2023 Lions service year in Lagos.
The ceremony, which included fundraising, was attended by members of Lions Club, family members, friends and associates.
Chairman of the occasion, Olaitan Onoloja, in his welcome address, asked: “Why should we give to support Lions Club activities? What is your guiding principles for giving to Lions Club International?”
Answering the question, he said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive. When you are able to meet the needs of others, you derive joy and you are happy and you become more healthy. You must at all times, do good to others, serve them with your time, talent and treasures. When you do this, you become a light house to many people.”
In his goodwill message, district governor 2022/2023, Anogwi Anyanwu, congratulated Shotomide on his election. He said: “The club is the most fundamental unit of our association and the direct link with our cherished communities. The leadership of your club is a great task which you must carry out diligently. Your club has found you worthy to lead them in this Lions’ service year. In this position, it is your duty to ensure that you and your Club succeed in meeting the needs of your community and serve the underprivileged.”
Delivering his acceptance speech, the new president said: “I have learnt more about what it takes to be a Lion and need to lead in the Lions movement that I joined in 2017.
“I ask you all to join me as we strive to achieve the lofty goals we have set for the year. We have joined this wonderful club because of our passion for service. We are one in our quest to make the lives of the less privileged and disabled persons better.
“I appeal to all of us to work together in unity, nothing should divide us but rather we should let the spirit to serve bind us together. I humbly accept and pledge to serve our club, the community and district with the spirit of love and respect.”
The immediate past president, Lagos Achievers Lions Club, Grace Ayo, in her valedictory speech, said: “With deep sense of appreciation to God for the successful reign of my tenure as the 23rd President of Lagos Achievers Lions Club 2021/2022 Lions year, it was a huge success with the cooperation of my working team, the entire members of the club, my amazing family and friends who worked together to help my reign be a successful one amidst challenges and unforseen circumstances.”
She congratulated her successor, Shotomide, whom she said she is convinced will not let them down but will surely take the club to greater heights.
Ifeoluwa Ibirogba, first vice president/treasurer, added: “I appreciate you all for your love, care and support. You made me feel loved and I won’t take it for granted. I pray that the mercy and grace of God will never depart from everyone of us.
Dr Chris Nwoji, guess speaker, in his lecture, educated the audience on stress management while Edwin Obilo and Danny Melody entertained guests with music and comedy.