Q: Can we meet you sir?
A: I am Lion (Dr.) Ayodele Ajayi, the current District Governor of Lions International, District 404AI, Nigeria.
Q: What is the significance of today for the Lions?
A: Today is the arrival date for the Lions in Nigeria in readiness for the official presentation of my humble self as the new District Governor. We kick-started our programmes today by visiting the traditional rulers in Ikorodu. We visited the palace of the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, HRM Oba (Engr.) Kabiru Adewale Shotobi and that of the Olubeshe of Ibeshe, Oba Richard Ogunsanya, to have their royal blessings for the event.
We also used the opportunity to monitor projects being carried out by Lions in our district. As you have all witnessed, some projects had been completed while some are still on-going. As a District Governor, I am very proud of these achievements.
Q: What relationships do you have with the royal fathers visited today?
A: Well, I was born in Ikorodu about sixty years ago and I spent my early years here; the royal fathers know me very well. They were my seniors in primary school; thus, we have had this long standing relationship while growing up. I have been working diligently as a physician in the community and almost all families in this division had at one time or the other had the cause to bring their relatives to my hospital including your publisher, Chief Monzor Olowosago, who is a big brother. I will say with all humility and a sense of pride that I have been serving the community, where I was born and bred all my life. I am very happy that the royal fathers have been witnessing my contrib
utions to the community all these years.
Q: What was your beginning like as a Lion?
A: I joined Lions’ Club in 1989 as a young professional in this very town. I was approached by Dr. Oluwaseyi Onafowokan, past Commissioner for Works in Lagos State to join hands in helping my society to achieve greater height. He, therefore, mentored me towards being humane in rendering service to the people.
I was the President of Ikorodu Lions’ Club in 1998. During my tenure as the President of the Club, we were able to achieve a lot, especially in the area of sight force, which is one of the legacy projects of Lions’ Club. During that time, we were able to operate thirty two (32) eyes in different wards and thirty two (32) blind people were able to regain their sight. We also gave more than two hundred (200) glasses to partially blind people for them to be able to see properly.
Q: What have been your challenges so far?
A: I took up the mantle of leadership of our great District on July 1, 2016 and I have been enjoying tremendous support from members of the Lions Club. Hence, I believe that the future is bright for this district.
Q: As the Chief Medical Director of Ajayi Medical Centre, how do you ensure that your positon as District Governor does not affect your hospital services?
A: I have committed myself to helping humanity, which means that my job is not a hindrance in serving the people who need help. I want to embark on providing for the less privileged as well as sight improvement and empowerment for the youths. As at the last count, 99.6 million people have been served. Before the end of the Lions’ Club centenary, we would have served one hundred million people.
Q: What are your plans for the Lion year as the new District Governor?
A: We are determined to invite people to serve because it has been estimated that one Lion would serve fifty less privileged people in the community. Our International President has challenged all District Governors World-wide to invite more members of their communities to join the Lions’ club so that we could render more help to the needy. We are also planning to do more legacy projects, which would be beneficial to all and sundry. In Ikorodu alone, by the virtue of your profession as Journalists, you have been able to witness the commissioning of three good legacy projects.
I want to urge all members of Lions’ Club and the populace to cater for people who need help in our society. I will do my best to ensure that my name is written in gold in the book of farmers in Ikorodu. Lions’ Club stands for service and integrity. We want to care for the youths; hence, youth empowerment is of topmost priority in our agenda. We are trying as much as possible to integrate the youths into this Club and support them in the area of business, trade and financial empowerment to make them better citizens.
Q: What are some of the Lions activities?
A: By October, we would be focusing on the area of sight. Lions all over the world would carry out different sight related activities. People would be helped by Lions’ Club to rejuvenate their sight to avoid blindness. December/January is the period we feed the hungry world-wide; though, we generally give out food to people in need. The Olubeshe of Ibeshe had also testified that a Lions’ Club in Jerusalem feeds pilgrims every Thursday free of charge. Every May/June, we look around our environment and we carry out environmental projects. Lions are also recognized as harbingers of peace.
Q: Would the eye clinic under construction by Doyens Club offer free services when completed?
A: It is free and it is meant for the community. Different Lions’ Clubs would also come there to do their eye screening test. Some of them may need glasses and they would also invite people from their communities to come there for eye checkups.
Q: What are the positions a Lion must have held before becoming a District Governor?
A: It is a tortuous journey. Firstly, you have to serve in your community Club before you can become its Club President. Next is to become a Zone Chairman, in which case, five clubs would be under you. If you are found wanting in character, you will be cautioned. If you do well, then, the sky is your limit. After becoming a Region Chairperson, election would be conducted for the post of a Second Vice District Governor. The moment you are elected, the Lions’ Club International picks you up. Then, you commence training, enlightenment and seminars, both locally and internationally.
After a year or two, you could become First Vice-District Governor. With this position, you start serious training, educational studies and travelling to Japan for District Governor Elect School. At the end of the course, you would be installed by the International President, based on your nominations by Lions’ Clubs under your district, as the District Governor of your country.
Q: There are different perceptions about Lions’ Club amongst the general public. Is it truly a secret club or a billionaires’ Club?
A: Lions’ Club is not a secret club. We are a progressive club. We welcome everybody in our communities to the club. It is not for a selected few. Lions’ club has been in service of Nigeria for the past fifty two (52) years, and our mission is to render more services to all and sundry in our communities.