For the first time, the International Association of Lions Clubs, District 404 A1 Nigeria, held its annual convention in Ikorodu between 18 and 21, 2018.
The convention, which was the fourth in its series and tagged, “Oga 2018”, was indeed a huge success as members turned out in hundreds from the ten regions under the district, which spreads across five states (Lagos, Ogun, Delta, Edo and Ondo) to participate in the fulfilled 4 day event. It was held at the multi-million naira Oluwatoyin Lions Activity Centre (OLAC) located along Owode – Ibeshe road, Ikorodu.
The convention took off on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 with a courtesy visit to Oba Kabiru Shotobi, Ayangbure of Ikorodu, and was brought to a memorable close with a special convention banquet at the Ikorodu Musical village on Saturday, January 20, 2018. Oriwu Sun was present at all the events and below is the comprehensive day to day report of the entire outing.
The International Association of Lion’s Club, District 404 AI Nigeria, on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, paid a courtesy visit to the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi at his palace to flag-off the 4th convention of the district tagged, “Oga 2018”.
The visit was also meant to formally introduce to the monarch, the new District Governor of District 404 AI, Lion (Barrister) Olatunbosun Opekseyi, who is a distinguished member of the Lion’s Club. It was indeed a befitting outing for the Club, which is globally known for its deep passion and commitment for humanitarian services, as scores of its members across various districts in Ikorodu division joined the visiting entourage to receive royal blessings from Oba Shotobi for the four day convention event.
Lion (Mrs.) Olufunmi Oshinowo Bashorun, the Region 4 Chairperson for District 404 A1 of Lion’s Club, while introducing the new District Governor and other leaders and elders of the Club to Oba Shotobi, stated that they had embarked on the courtesy visit in accordance with the tradition of the Club to visit the monarch every year, when there is a change in the leadership of the district, to formally introduce the District Governor whenever they visit Ikorodu region of the Club. She also explained that the District 404 A1 comprises five states, which include Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo and Delta. Lion Bashorun said Ikorodu was very lucky to be hosting this year’s convention of the district and thereby, sought for the royal support of Oba Shotobi, his Chiefs and the entire people of Ikorodu towards a successful outing.
In his own address, the District Governor, Lion Olatunbosun Opekseyi, thanked Oba Shotobi for giving them the rare opportunity to pay him a courtesy visit despite his tight schedule, adding that the members of the Club are delighted to be in the midst of the revered monarch. He explained to Kabiyesi that he and his team had visited him to formally inform him that the 4th convention of the District 404 A1 of Lion’s Club would be holding in his domain between January 18 and 21, 2018, and also to seek his royal support and blessings for the success of the event.
Lion Olatunbosun thanked Oba Shotobi on behalf of Lion’s Club for his contributions and support for the projects and programmes of the Club in the district and prayed that God would continue to strengthen him to be able to do more for the Club and his community.
The District Governor explained that Lion Club is a formidable and noble Club known for its service to humanity and urged people to join the Club in order to further complement the government in its effort to ensure a better society. He also appealed to Oba Shotobi to use his membership of the Club and his royal influence in inviting his Chiefs, business associates, friends and other eminent people of Ikorodu to join Lion’s club.
In his response, Oba Shotobi expressed his gratitude over the courtesy visit and also congratulated the Club on the occasion of the District 404 A1 2018 convention. He described Lion’s Club as an international Club revered all over the world for its tremendous humanitarian services, which are designed to help the needy in the society, while adding that he is very proud and honoured to be a member of the Club. Oba Shotobi also commended the Club for constantly providing free eye test for people. He particularly commended Dr. Ayo Ajayi, an indigene of Ikorodu and immediate past District Governor of District 404 A1, for facilitating the donation of Eye glasses to about thirty (30) beneficiaries as part of the activities marking this year’s convention.
While promising to further commit his time to the service of the Club, the monarch charged other well-meaning Ikorodu indigenes to join the Club in order to offer selfless services to the society.
The highpoint of the visit was the presentation of the Eye glasses to two of the beneficiaries by Oba Shotobi.
Among those present at the event were Lion (Engr) H. O. B. Lawal, past International Director of Lion’s Club; Lion (Dr) Ayodele Ajayi, immediate past District Governor; Lion S. A. Balogun, District Convention Chairperson; Lion Kola Oyekanmi, past Multiple Chairperson of the District; Chief Ayodele Elesho; Olori Abosede Shotobi; Chief Monzor Olowosago, Publisher, Oriwu Sun as well as Baales, officers and members of various Lion’s Clubs in Ikorodu division such as Diamond Lion’s Club, Ipakodo Lion’s Club, Ikorodu Crystal Lion’s Club, Ikorodu Metro Lion’s Club, and Ikorodu Doyen Lion’s Club.
DAY 2 (THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018):- OPENING PLENARY SESSION
The convention was officially declared open on Thursday, January 18 as participants started arriving Ikorodu and headed straight to the Oluwatoyin Lions Activity Centre, where some members of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the convention had been stationed to register and give them customized yellow bags, which contained all the necessary kits needed for the convention before leading them to their various hotel accommodations to settle in and get set for the opening session later in the day.
By 4pm, participants started returning to the Activity Centre to participate in the opening plenary session of the convention and by the time the event commenced around 5:47pm, the full air conditioned hall of the Centre had been filled up with participants and several dignitaries, which included Royal Fathers, traditional Chiefs and Baales, who had all attended to give support the Club that is globally known for its passion for humanitarian service.
To kick-start the event, Lion Bayo Alebiosu, who anchored the event, introduced the leaders of the Clubs as well as well as guests seated at the high table, after which the invocations of the Lions prayer, Lions International Purposes and Lions Code of Ethics were read to the gathering.
After that, the Chairman of the LOC, Lion S.A Balogun, was invited to deliver the welcome address. He welcomed members of the Club from far and near as well as dignitaries present to the official opening of the 4th convention of the district and promised that his committee would strive to make their stay memorable.
Lion Balogun expressed his gratitude for being saddled with the responsibility of organizing and hosting the convention in Ikorodu, adding that though, the task was really daunting, the supports of members of the LOC and leaders of the Club in the district made the job easier. He commended all the LOC members for their steadfastness despite the challenges encountered along the bumpy road to the event while also commending Lion Dora Adebayo, who volunteered to work for the LOC with her experience and resources. While thanking the leadership of the Club for reposing their confidence in the Committee and Management of OLAC for making the venue a conducive one at a great cost to them, the LOC Chairman stated that his experience in organizing the convention has made him a better Lion.
Also, the District Governor, Lion Olatubosun Okpeseyi, while delivering the opening address, said the Club, after completing its first century in humanitarian service, is poised to do more with the introduction of new global service framework, which include projects such as relieving hunger, engaging the youth, protecting our environment, and the district 2017/2018 Lions Year Core Project (Lion Olusola Dada (Renal) Dialysis Centre) at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). He added that the projects are some of the testimonies that Lions Club keeps evolving with modern needs, which keeps upholding the Club’s motto of “We Serve”. He said true and abiding happiness cannot exist when others suffer and that the true meaning of happiness cannot be limited to the realm of feeling good within oneself but the need to serve others and endure humanity.
While urging people to embrace humanitarian challenges of the world, Lion Okpeseyi stated that philanthropy is not all about a show of pity but the power to appreciate God’s goodness and purpose for mankind, which include caring for one another. On the theme of the convention, ‘New Partnership in Service’, he explained that the aim is to get more quality members in driving the Lions crusade across the length and breadth of district 404A1, which would have impact on MD 404 Nigeria, and ultimately help in achieving and sustaining the African challenge. The district Governor humbly urged members and other people to let their accounts of stewardship record more gifts of service to humanity.
While he also urged them to sow a seed of service into the current status and future of Lions Club. He stressed the need to win more ambassadors for service to strengthen the district and make the world a better place for all and charged members to get like-minded people to buy into the district’s brand for more effective service.
Lion Okpeseyi urged members to remember what they can achieve when bound together by oneness, the spirit of Lionism and the power of ‘us’ as they gather to celebrate the 4th convention of the district. He thanked the Cabinet Officers and members of the LOC for a job well done and expressed confidence that all Lions would leave Ikorodu with memorable memories of a great convention.
Meanwhile Lion (Princess) Folashade Olabanji-Oba, the Vice Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government and the Guest Speaker at the event, in her lecture on the theme of the convention, New Partnership In Service, explained that the development challenges facing the world are complex and inter- related and that issues of poverty, hunger and inequality, unemployment, the rising scale of conflict and disasters, require resources, capabilities and collaboration across all sectors, which include government, civil society and private sector. She opined that the resources available to Non – Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) can be utilized to strategically support the great work that Lions Club is performing through collaborative efforts in information dissemination, service delivery and consultations, but maintained that there is need for some issues to be addressed before this can be operationally.
Princess Oba urged Lion Club to identify ways it can associate with the work of and partner with the government, private sector and community to strengthen its humanitarian service. She explained that when government (or even individual ministries) has a positive social agenda and NGO’s are effective, there is potential for a strong, collaborative relationship, adding that the government has various instruments it can use to foster an enabling environment and influence the health and operations of the NGO’s. Among these are good governance, regulations, tax policies, project/policies implementation, policy formulation and coordination. Also, while speaking on the role of women in nation building, Princess Oba stated that the place of women in any endeavor cannot be overemphasized and that given their enormous contributions to socio -economic development, there can be no meaningful advancement where women are excluded. She, however, said that the vulnerable conditions of women in Africa, especially in Nigeria, are more critical, given the lingering factors such as gender inequalities, domestic violence, lack of social protection, among other issues, that exacerbate privations and women injustice.
Princess Oba explained that Nigeria has continued to develop and implement national strategies and plans for the advancement of women leadership and managerial roles in form of amending legislation, policies, and institutional framework as it affects the full promotion and protection of the right of women. She, however, maintained that a law still needs to be implemented in this regards. On youth role in national development, she said the involvement of youth in national development is a must because they play one of the most important roles in nation building.
According to Princess Oba, youths have always been the key to any activity in the world, be it war, politics or construction works while their hunger, desire, motivation, determination and high energy can make a difference in either destroying or building a nation. She stated that proper guidance and direction can, however, put the youth in the forefront of national development. She concluded by stating that partnership among all groups should be achieved and their respective comparative advantages should be made use of.
After the lecture, there were goodwill messages from Oba Kabiru Shotobi, Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Lion Engineer H.O.B Lawal, past International Director of Lions Club, and MCC Gbolagade Adebisi. The event also featured the recognition of registered clubs and singing of several Lions’ songs. The high point of the event was the induction of Chief Sulaimon Ogidi, Ajiroba of Ikorodu; Chief Mufutau Jimoh Odusoga, Chairman of Ikorodu Council of Balees and Baale of Omitoro, and Chief S.O Ojebiyi, Baale of Palapo, on the recommendation of Oba Shotobi.
Other events of the day were Capital G.A.T meeting, Council of Governor meeting and Hospitality Night, tagged, ’60s Nite’. Other dignitaries at the event were Oba Richard Ogunsanya, Olubeshe of Ibeshe; Oba Semiudeen Kasali, Adeboru of Igbogbo; Honourable Jimi Benson, represented by Honourable Sesan Daini, Chairman, Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA; Lion (Dr.) Ayodele Ajayi, immediate past District Governor; Lion Adedipe Adekunle Adedoyin, Second Vice District Governor; Lion Monday Onyeme, First Vice District Governor, and Olori Abosede Shotobi.
THIRD DAY (FRIDAY, JANUARY, 19, 2018)
The registration of participants and members continued as member trooped into the Lions Activity Centre from their respective locations as early as 8:00am on Friday, January 19, 2018. There was also a marathon seminar and training for old and new Certified Guiding Lions. On the same day, the training commenced around 9am and was aimed at enlightening and educating participants on what was expected of them to enable them become better members.
At the training, new members were given comprehensive orientation. Various aspects of the Lions Club were unfolded, which include, mission statement, aims and objectives, what Lions Club means and what being a Lion entails.
The new members were also informed about the service projects and traditions of Lions Club, which were the activities usually engaged in by various Lions Clubs to address the needs of a particular community or environment. These include provision of water borehole systems, organizing medical tests, e.g. eye test, among others.
They were enjoined to participate actively in these activities in their respective Clubs. On dues, the new members were told that the amount to be paid as dues differs from one Club to the other and it was determined by certain factors.
They were also told to always ensure timely and regular payment of their local and international dues. The new Lions were also informed that the dates of meetings vary from one Lions Club to another, and that they must endeavor to know the meeting place and time of their respective Clubs and attend regularly and promptly.
Old members were also given a re-orientation for them to be more focused and re-commit themselves to the ideals and various services of the Club. Scores of old members, who applied to become Certified Guiding Lions (CGL), were equally trained on how to become a successful one. They were told that CGL are mentors, who are trained to guide and mentor new members or younger Clubs in order to ensure their development, survival and sustenance. The CGL trainees were also informed that a CGL may be the single most important factor to the success of a younger Club and that to be a successful one, such CGL must commit his/her time to attend meetings. They were also urged to attend trainings regularly to enable them have better understanding of their roles on guiding Lions. They should also provide tools to help Club Officers manage their Clubs effectively.
At the end of the training, participants were presented with certificates to certify their participation in the training and seminar. Meanwhile, one of the facilitators of the training, Lion Kofoworola Jegede, the Global Leadership Training Coordinator for District 404A1, in an interview with Oriwu Sun, said the training was aimed at enlightening and educating members to enable them become better Lions. She expressed satisfaction over the performances of participants and assured that the knowledge and training received would help them to contribute positively to the development and activities of their various Clubs when they get back to their respective stations.
While the training was on going, members of the district committee were also holding a meeting at the conference room of the Activity Centre to discuss issues affecting the district and to chat a new course for its project.
After training had been concluded, there was a one hour break, after which top officers from zonal and regional levels conveyed around 4:30pm for cabinet meeting. The meetings were presided over by the District Governor (DG), Lion Olatubosun Okpeseyi and had the attendance of top District Officers, Region Chair Persons, Zonal Chair Persons, Committee Chair Persons and Club Presidents.
The meeting took off with the invocations of Lions Prayer, Lions international purposes and Lions ethics, after which amendments were made to the minutes of the last cabinet meeting before its adoption was moved and seconded by Lion Funmi Bashorun (Region 4) and Lion Rita Attah (Region 3) respectively.
While discussing the agenda for the meeting, D.G Okpeseyi informed the gathering that the Two Hundred Million Naira (N200million) Olusola Dada Dialysis Centre being built by the district at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) was progressing well and that all the various committee on the project were working round the clock to ensure the success of the project.
On pledges, Okpeseyi said that those who pledged have not fulfilled them. He urged Region Chairpersons to help in redeeming some of these pledges while he thanked those, who have fulfilled theirs. He also criticized members, who owe the Club and those, who attended international conferences of the Club without paying their dues. He stated that many Clubs have disbanded for failing to meet their financial obligations. It was unanimously agreed that any Club Chairperson or member, who does not have good financial standing, would not be allowed to attend any international conferences. It was also agreed that members must serve for two years and live up to their financial obligations before they would qualify to attend international conferences.
The meeting was brought to a close around 6:30pm, after which members retired to their various hotel accommodations to prepare for the last event of the day, which was Cultural Nite. Also, the immediate past District Governor, Dr Ayodele Ajayi, whose birthday fell on the same day, lectured the participants on Global Service Theme (GST). However, before he delivered the lecture, the participants rose from their seats to sing birthday songs for him. After the lecture, he was led to the conference room, where the steering committee meeting was being held, to cut his birthday cake.
FOURTH DAY (SATURDAY JANUARY 20, 2018)
The first event was a special parade. By 7:30am, members of the Club have started converging on the premises of the Ayangburen Primary School, Ikorodu, in readiness for the parade. Members in the ten regions under the district formed groups to perfect arrangements for a successful outing and were diverse in their respective native attires, which added glamour to the parade. At 9am, one of the anchors of the parade, Lion Bayo Alebiosu, took over the microphone to announce the order of the parade.
A few minutes later, members showed up in a long train of parade, which was led by a disc jockey (DJ) along with his musical instrument. They were all conveyed in a white long pick up vehicle. The parade train moved through Allison Street to link Ayangburen road and headed towards Ebute. Members of each region had a good time dancing to the rhythm of local and foreign songs. Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and some Local Organizing Committee (LOC) members controlled the flow of traffic to ensure the safety of members and to avoid unnecessary traffic gridlock. Some of the regions displayed banners with their numbers, logo and other information about them, while some members of the LOC distributed leaflets to motorists, commuters and passers-by.
Some members of the LOC were also stationed to access the conduct and performances of each of the regions and award marks accordingly. By 10am, the parade train gathered at the Local Government Primary School, Ipakodo, where the members settled down under various canopies.
While briefly addressing the members, D.G. Okpeseyi commended them for their endurance and for showcasing the beauty of the Club during the parade. According to him, the parade was meant to showcase the Club to the people of Ikorodu in order to inspire them to become members. He also lauded the LOC Chairman and his team for organizing a successful event while urging them to do more in subsequent editions of the convention.
The District Governor, therefore, appealed to the media to partner with the Club by assisting to spread the Club’s culture of service to the world to enable more people to join. The LOC Chairman, Lion S. A. Balogun, later announced the remaining programmes for the day, after which the members were served breakfast before heading back to their Centre for the delegates meeting. Meanwhile, the District Governor, while speaking on the theme of the convention during a brief interview with Oriwu Sun, said that the theme was chosen because the Club’s humanitarian service is vast and needed the support of everyone, including the media, corporate bodies and community leaders. He commended members of the LOC for organizing a successful convention and other members for their participation and cooperation throughout the event.
Resolutions were presented during the event while awards were given to some members for their contributions to the development of District 404A and the success of the convention.
Among the awardees were, Dr. Ayo Ajayi, immediate past District Governor; Lion (Chief) Sir Monday Onyeme, first vice-District Governor, and Lion Kofoworola Jegede. The highpoint of the event was the announcement of results of the parade, which was won by region 3 while region 10 came second. Regions 1 and 8 claimed the third position. The District Governor moved for adjournment by 6:31p.m, which signaled the end of the convention, after which they moved to the Musical Village for the special Banquet Nite. By 7:30pm, most of them turned out resplendently in their various colourful attires to savour the grand evening.
Refreshments and entertainment were not in short supply. There was more than enough delicious meals and assorted drinks to go round while the Disc Jockey (DJ ) dished out various entertaining songs, both local and foreign, for the entertainment of the guests.
The District Governor, in his speech, admitted that it was not a speech making occasion but purely to enable members unwind and enjoy themselves. He thanked them for their support throughout the convention and urged them to continue to support the district in all its activities. He told them to seize the opportunity offered by the banquet to relax and socialize before leaving for their respective stations.
The immediate past District Governor, Ayo Ajayi, was also celebrated at the occasion for his birthday, which took place the previous day. The celebrant, along with his wife, was invited to sit in front of the hall while the District Governor made sterling remarks about them. He described the couple as quintessential philanthropists, who had contributed so much for the growth of District 404A, and wished them more happy and prosperous years ahead. Lion Okpeseyi later led Lion Ajayi and his wife to the cake stand, where they were joined by several leaders of the Club and members of the LOC to cut the customized birthday cake. This was followed by the cutting of the convention cake, after which the District Governor inducted the duo of Dr. Bolaji Olukoya, former Medical Director, Ikorodu General Hospital and Engr. Kashimawo as members of Lions Club.
The event ended finally around 10:20pm with a toast; thereby, ushering in a vibrant dance session that lasted till midnight.
