Platinum Lions Club earmarks N35 million for needy Nigerians
By Chidi Opara
Lions Clubs International, Abuja Platinum Lions Club District 404 A2, said it would spend N35 million on its various outreach programs in Nigeria between 2022 and 2023.
Mr. Abia Antigha, the Founding President, said this during the presentation of the Platinum Lions Club of Abuja, his installation as the club’s first president and the fundraiser for the Lions year 2022/2023 in Abuja .
He said his administration would engage in the treatment of cataracts and cancer as the main focus of the club to enable the blind poor, especially children, to regain their sight and be cancer free.
Antigha said the club would also construct toilets for schools as part of its contribution to controlling open defecation in the country.
“Many children who are in shock and suffering from cancer will be cured and will be able to smile and laugh again.
“Many school children who defecate in the bushes behind their classrooms due to lack of sanitation facilities will use decent sanitation facilities with a water system,” he said.
Antigha said the club was established on July 19, after final approval from Lions Clubs International Headquarters in Oak Brook, USA.
The President of the Platinum Lions Club has sought the support of club members, leaders, the board of directors and other stakeholders to succeed in carrying out his plans.
He promised to lay a solid foundation for the club’s future through his commitment and dedication to the club’s activities and projects.
The President of the occasion, Mr. Wilson Akhator-Eneka, while congratulating Antigha on his inauguration, donated 10% of the budgeted amount for club activities during the period under review.
In his opening address, Mr. Samuel Ekpuk said, “The Lionism Movement gives people the privilege and the opportunity to demonstrate their love, to touch and to transform lives.
He reminded members of the club’s codes of ethics which he said include fulfilling one’s obligations as a citizen to the nation, state and community and unwavering loyalty to the club. in words, deeds and deeds.
President of Abuja Mega Lions Club, Mr. Samuel Egbuchiri described Lions Club International as an organization that creates and promotes understanding among the people of the world.
He said the main objective was to promote the principles of good governance and good citizenship.
Egbuchiri described the Abuja Platinum Lions Club as a “top notch” club with various projects and programs that impact the lives of Nigerians.
Earlier in his welcoming remarks, the President of the Inauguration and Zone 1A Planning Committee, Mr. Charlz Opusunju said that the club was born to occupy a niche in the service of humanity.
He said the club would be guided by the core values of Lions Club International, adding that the club’s goal was to impact the lives of people in its catchment areas.
He commended the Abuja Mega Lions Club for providing the platform for the formation of the Platinum Lions Club.
In his address, Mr. Jide Bello, Governor of District 404 A2, Nigeria, who celebrated the inauguration ceremony, urged Antigha to lead the club to an enviable height.
Bello said the club has done several projects in the country since its inception and has a cancer center in Gwarimpa, Abuja to help cancer patients, especially children.
Bello enjoined the club president to lead an inclusive administration that would meet the needs of his target communities.
Adaku Dike, the charter secretary, said the club’s humanitarian activities vary from environment to environment, feeding hunger, medical awareness to other related projects.
Dike said the club traveled to Kogi state two weeks ago to donate relief items to more than 5,000 displaced people affected by recent floods in the state.
Antigha, the first president of the club, would serve with Dr. Ody Ajike as 1st Vice President, Mr. Tajudeen Bakare as 2nd Vice President, Dike as Secretary 1 and Adesanya Adesola as Treasurer alongside other officers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the program was a documentary on the club’s grassroots projects, fundraising, presentation of the charter and the installation of club officers.
Lions Club International is a non-political, service-oriented organization founded by Melvin Jones, an insurance broker, on July 7, 1917 and headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, USA. (NOPE)
Edited by Uche Anunne
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