Zone 6A, District 404B2 calls for expanded membership, effective service delivery

The International Association of Lions Clubs, District 404B2, Zone 6A under the leadership of Lion Blessing Modupe Umebali,NLCF. NLEF. on Sunday, January 28, held the 3^rd District Governor’s Advisory Council Committee Meeting at Sporta Club, Agidingbi, Ikeja Lagos. It was designed to scrutinize issue of membership and service under the theme “Expanding Our Membership Strength for Effective Service Delivery” which was delivered by Lion Gertrude Akhimien, PMJF. NLCF. SUCCESS DAMIAN reports.

The District Governor’s Advisory Council Committee of District 404B2 was designed ostensibly to look at the challenges militating against the noble objectives of Lions Clubs, proffer solutions and reporting findings to the District Governor, Lion Asiwaju Ayobola Samuel JP. MJF. NLCF. This is to ensure that the Lions remain alive to their responsibility of putting smiles on the faces of the less-privileged.

At the 3^rd edition of Zone 6A Governor’s Advisory Council Committee Meeting, Lion Gertrude Akhimien, Region Chairperson and Speaker of the day captured the essence and benefits of Lions Clubs in her speech titled “Expanding Our Membership Strength for Effective Service Delivery.”

She said “The most important benefit of being a Lion is the satisfaction and recognition that comes with serving the less privileged in your immediate community, making positive differences in their lives and also supporting humanitarian efforts the world over.”


Akhimien disclosed that “The international Association of Lions clubs has always encouraged efforts to increase its members. The reason is not far-fetched. In every Organisation there must be plans put in place to ensure its survival. This usually includes the grooming of young managers who will take over the mantle of leadership.

“In addition, as individuals we can only do so much, but when we work together as a team, we can make the impossible a reality. Each new member that accepts to join a lion’s club represents an opportunity to help more people and such a person will bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to the club. In addition Clubs who bring in new members are also recognized by the parent body of lions club International in Oak Brook.

“The Club must plan activities that serve the needs of the society. The community should be engaged to determine their needs before the activities are carried out. The activities must be impactful so that people in the community can be impressed and new members can be invited to join the club,” the Region Chairperson stated.

Akhimien further said that the clubs must publicize their activities so that people get to know about lions and their activities through newspaper publications, TV and other media.

Meanwhile the Zone 6A Chairperson, Blessing Modupe Umebali in her welcome address said Membership in Lions Clubs means an opportunity to meet and work with other individuals in a spirit of fellowship, striving towards common goals.

“Lions have responded to many challenges and to many opportunities. We have acted to meet the needs of our communities and have accepted the responsibility to make life meaningful for others. Membership however, is by invitation. The sponsor of a new member has vital responsibilities to educate, orientate and guide the new Lion while the new member has the obligation to give his/her time, talent and treasure to serve,”Umebali stated.

She continued, “As leaders in our various clubs the District Governor Lion Asiwaju Ayobola Samuel is calling on all members of clubs to imbibe the spirit of Adding Quality Members who believe in serving others with their 3t’s time, talent and treasure.”

Lion Tolulope Senbanjo, President Ikeja Dynamic Lions Club and Zone 6A Secretary speaking on the work of District Governor’s Advisory Council Committee said “At the Zone level we organize the Committee to see the challenges we are facing then we can report directly to the District Governor. Today is the 3^rd in the series of the committee meeting and the decision we reach here would be forwarded to the District Governor, We talk about issues ranging from Membership to finance, how to grow sustainable club members, so far the report we have been getting is laudable.”

On the achievements of the Advisory Council Committee, Senbanjo said “I think for one when people are not monitored they become complacent, but with this, members are monitored, you are kept on your toes, making sure your clubs are carrying out projects to ensure the purpose of being a Lion is achieved.”

On the challenges of the Zone, he said “Finance has always been the problem, it is difficult to make people part with their money, but those that don’t have money they make it up with their time and talent.”

Lion John Oriazowa Second Vice President, Ikeja Metro, said “The major objective of Lions Clubs is to care for the needy, to see how we can put smiles on the less-privileged,”

On his club’s activities he said “On the 26 of January we carried out a project where we were able to provide for the less privileged children, we also taught people how to raise money to balance their homes. That is what we stand for, to deliver quality service and make sure people are okay.”