Mary Nnah
Faced with a growing crisis of food insecurity and limited access to basic health services, Lions Clubs International, District 404B5 was launched in Lagos on Wednesday, with a commitment to deliver immediate relief to vulnerable households in Ekiti, Kwara, Oyo and Lagos States.
Pioneer District Governor, Lion Phina Origho, who addressed Lions leaders, past district governors and members of the press, said the inauguration of the new district comes at a time when economic hardship is forcing families to skip meals and hospitals are overwhelmed with preventable cases of diabetes and blindness.
She announced that the flagship project for the 2026/2027 Lions year will be the construction of a state-of-the-art food bank and district secretariat, to be funded through a major ₦750 million fundraising event scheduled for Saturday, September 5th, 2026.
According to DG Origho, the food bank is designed to provide structured nutritional support to struggling families across the district, while the secretariat will serve as the administrative and volunteer training hub to drive service delivery. She noted that in a season of severe economic and social challenges, the resolve of Lions to step up for vulnerable communities must be stronger than ever.
Lions Clubs International, District 404B5 will also align with Lions International’s eight global causes.
Origho said plans are in place to intensify awareness and free screening for diabetes, sponsor cataract surgeries, and distribute free glasses to those in need. She added that preventable blindness and late detection of diabetes remain major burdens, and that Lions must take interventions directly to communities rather than wait for patients to seek help.
On the environment, DG Origho said blocked drainages, poor waste management and deforestation are worsening flooding and disease in many neighborhoods.
To address this, Lions Clubs International, District 404B5 will embark on mass tree planting in schools and open spaces, while running advocacy campaigns on recycling and sanitation.
She also pledged increased awareness and support for childhood cancer, and said disaster relief teams will be positioned to respond quickly to communities affected by emergencies.
Youth unemployment was another key focus.
Origho described young people as the backbone of the communities Lions serve, and announced that Lions Clubs International, District 404B5 will roll out targeted skill acquisition schemes, leadership mentoring and entrepreneurial workshops to equip them with practical tools to earn a living and reduce the pressure to migrate.
In line with Lions Clubs International’s Mission 1.5 to grow global membership to 1.5 million, the pioneer governor called on professionals, corporate organizations and philanthropic bodies to partner with Lions Clubs International, District 404B5.
“If you want to make a tangible difference in Ekiti, Kwara, Oyo or Lagos, the Lions Club is your platform. Your investments and your time will directly transform millions of lives”, she said.