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By Johnson Adebowale
The Ipaja Central Lions Club District 404B3 has unveiled Oluwatosin Bilikis Olabisi as its 32nd president to run its affairs for the 2023–2024 Lions service year. Other officers were also inducted.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to members who showed exemplary commitments to the club’s growth in the last year.
The colorful ceremony held in Abesan, Ipaja, Lagos State, had past and present leaders as well as members of Lions Club International in attendance. Among the dignitaries present were the pioneer district governor 404B3, Otunba Olayiwola Fadairo; the chairman of the occasion, Hon. Adebayo Taiwo Olodo; National Assembly member and chief launcher, Hon. Afolabi Moruf Afuwape; Alhaja Fatima Mojisola Sanni; the guest speaker, Femi Benjamin Akinbode and Olusola Owoyele
Fadairo used his goodwill message to remind the gathering that the club year theme, ‘rebirth of service, signifies not just a renewal of commitment but a rekindling of passion to make a difference. He charged the members to be agents of positive change, to give selflessly, and to inspire others through their actions.
“In this service year, we have the privilege of keying into the initiative “Mission15”, an endearment to increase the membership strength of Lions Clubs International from 1.4 to 1.5 million. This mission not only reflects our dedication to expanding our reach but also underscores our commitment to empowering more individuals to serve and create a positive impact,” he said.
Fadairo tasked the new president with explaining how her dedication to service, focus on sight preservation, and contribution to the goals of the club are pivotal in shaping the future of the district and Lions Clubs International as a whole. “As you lead, remember that your actions ripple through the fabric of our communities, igniting change and fostering unity, setting an example for all to follow, particularly your members,” he said.
Speaking during the investiture ceremony, the chairman of the occasion, Hon. Adebayo Olodo, called on the gathering to donate generously towards the outlines of the planned programme by the president of the club. “You will agree with me that the government cannot do it all except through the collaboration of non-governmental organizations like Lions Club International,” he submitted.
In attendance to add color to the occasion were the students of Pacelli School for the Blind, Lagos, who entertained the guests with songs.
The district governor, whose birthday coincided with the event, got elated by the song rendition by the students of the Pacelli School for the Blind and therefore seized the period to raise donations for the school, calling on invited quests and Lions members to support his gesture. The N800,000 raised was targeted to fulfill a pressing need for the school.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of white cane sticks to the students of Pacelli School for the Blind, Lagos by the new executives.
Princess Adekemi Lucy Adetuwo-Olaniyi, the immediate past president, expressed in her speech gratitude to God and to members of the club for their support in helping her achieve some significant milestones during her tenure. She acknowledged that the burden of public trust is tested in the furnace of leadership and that only prudent and transparent management can account for purposeful leadership. Even though she had left office, she offered to stand by the incumbent executive, most especially the new president, to provide support.
In her acceptance speech after her installation, the president, Oluwatosin Olabisi, said the mantle of leadership she is taking was well worked for with the support of well-meaning members. She therefore thanked all past presidents and members for their hard work to bring the club to the position of recognition in the community of clubs in the district.
She, however, assured that, with the help of God, the financial support of corporate and individual sponsors, and her fellow club members, she will do her best to meet their expectations.
She noted further that she was convinced that the gathering was desirous of her success in achieving the set plans, which include: the donation of white cane sticks for the visually impaired students present at the ceremony, raising funds for the screening of more than 1000 community members, the donation of eyeglasses, support for identified cataract patients for surgery operations, the donation to childhood cancer children in the community and the donation of food items for hungry in the community.
Olabisi noted that with these projected activities, ‘‘it is our utmost desire to bring joy and relief to every individual we are able to reach across as we engage in our projects.
“I appeal to all lions and my distinguished guests to donate generously towards our good cause to impact meaningfully in the lives of our community people.”
Caption: Olabisi (middle) with the members of Ipaja Central District Lions Club during the presentation of white cane to students of Pacelli School for the Blind
