The capital city of Kwara State, Ilorin, is set to buzz with activity this weekend as over one thousand members of Lions Club International (LCI) from across Nigeria converge on the ancient city for their annual convention. The event, themed “Serving in Harmony,” aims to highlight the organisation's commitment to community service and unity.

Jointly organised by District 404B2 and 404B3, the convention will include a range of activities such as outreach programmes targeting the less privileged, a novelty match with members of Rotary Club International, and a parade of participants through the streets of Ilorin. These events are designed to foster collaboration, promote harmony, and reinforce the clubs' dedication to societal improvement.

District governors Tolulope and Ambassador Ibrahim Jide Bello and other top members of LCI, while addressing a press conference in ilorin in Thursday to herald the 3-day convention said that the organisation is all about reaching out to the less privileged, knowing full well that governments alone cannot do it.

Lion Tolulope Sebanjo explained that this year's theme: “serving in harmony” is symbolic especially as two districts – 404-B2 and 404-B3 are having a jointly organised convention “is a confirmation of synergy and cooperation that exists within Lion International Club.”

He however hinted that Lions Club International (LCI) is wrapping up plans to create a food bank in Lagos to serve the Osun, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun and Kwara States axis, the district 404-B2 governor.

Lion Tolulope explained that the Food bank is planned to warehouse all manners of foods from farmers, individuals and corporate organisations whereby the less privileged would be allowed to freely assessed .

According to him, the project ought to have commenced before now but for the delay in the support by the Lagos state government. He however assured all that the project would kick off in June.

He said ,”we are Lions Clubs International, a global service organization dedicated to making a positive impact in our communities.”, stressing that,” with over 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries, we are united in our commitment to serving humanity.”

As Lions, he also said,”we embody the values of kindness, compassion, and service. We believe that by working together, we can achieve great things and make a real difference in the lives of others. Our members come from diverse backgrounds and professions, but we are united in our passion for service and our commitment to our communities.”

“So, what are the benefits of being a Lion? Lion Sebanjo queried 'For one, you become part of a global community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for service. You also have the opportunity to develop new skills, build lasting relationships, and gain leadership experience.”he explained.

He added that ,”as Lions, we also have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of service activities, from vision and health screenings to disaster relief and environmental conservation. Our service programs are designed to address the unique needs of our communities, and we are proud of the impact we are making around the world.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to our sister District 404B3 for accepting to partner with us for this unique Joint District Convention. Your support and collaboration are invaluable to us, and we look forward to continuing our work together to serve our communities.”he said

Also addressing the media, his counterpart in District 404-B3, Dr. Ibrahim Jide Bello also disclosed plans to build food court in an undisclosed school in Lagos.

According to him, the school that has not less than 800 pupils operate in inhabitable environment.

He however highlighted various developmental projects and efforts by the group since last year June.

He listed them to include medical outreach and food security to over 5,000 Nigerians while no fewer than 3,000 have benefited from the LCI medical gestures.

He also stated that LCI (Nigeria) has attracted about 500,000 dollars to execute several humanitarian projects that included diabetes screening centres within the district as well as alleviated sufferings of people that suffered natural calamities, with a special reference to those recently affected by flooding in Maiduguri in Borno.

He however lamented funding and inadequate hands as factors hampering further achievements of the group.

According to him: “LCI in Nigeria has just about 10,000 membership to serve a population of over 200 million people.”Can you imagine?he queried.