ABEOKUTA- The Lions Clubs International has called on government, philanthropists and other stakeholders to focus more on uplifting vulnerable members of society amidst the country’s economic situation.
The Governor of District 404B4, Lion Taiwo Fatoki, said this in Abeokuta on Saturday at the annual Presentation of Awards of Excellence for the 2024/2025 Lions Club year.
Fatoki emphasised the need to also appreciate the efforts of individuals and organisations serving humanity, citing the club’s commitment to helping others despite the economic hardship.
According to him, without the poor, there cannot be the rich.
He, however, called on the rich to appreciate God by paying more attention to the vulnerable.
He mentioned the donation of boreholes, renovation of classrooms, hunger alleviation programmes, healthcare services and some others as projects the district had embarked upon to assist the society.
The district governor, noting that the government should not be left to do everything, said that humanitarian service was for everyone.
“The lion year starts on July 1, 2024, and for the past 356 days, these people have been serving humanity, and we must do something to appreciate them.
“Hence, this award presentation is to appreciate and encourage them.
“Apart from all these projects that I have mentioned, there are eight core activities that we carried out in conjunction with the United Nations.
“Don’t let us deceive ourselves, the issue of hunger has always been there, and it will continue to be.
“It is now left for the rich, according to the wish of God, to help the poor, as not all will be rich; we can’t have a driver without a CEO.
“This is what Lions Club is doing as the only way to create a form of fairness and equity; this is the only way,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a Media Partnership Appreciation Award was presented to the Managing Director of NAN, Ali Muhammed Ali.
The Punch Newspaper and MITV were part of other media outlets that also received awards.
Other award categories include the Fellows Lions Club award, the District Best President award, the Most Innovative Club award, the Membership Growth award, and the Service Reporting award, among others. (NAN)
