…as Lion Akindele emerges Charter President, Ikare Diaspora Lions Club

Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has stated that his administration acknowledges the vital role Lions Club International plays in shaping the values, development, and capacity of indigenes, especially the vulnerable in the community.

The governor emphasised that such interventions go a long way to complement the efforts of his administration.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Press Officer to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power, Debbie Funmilayo

Aiyedatiwa was speaking at the Charter Presentation Ceremony and Swearing-in of Lion Adedayo Akindele, organised by Lions International District 404-A4, Nigeria held in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State.

The governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Power, Dr. Johnson Alabi, said that the event marks not just a formal transition, but a moment of deep responsibility and renewed commitment to service.”

“As new officers take the oath of leadership, they step into roles that demand integrity, diligence and a clear vision for progress not only for your organisation but also for the broader community”.

“Let this ceremony be more than a celebration. Let it be a pledge to lead with purpose to inspire trust and to work collaboratively towards goals that uplift our state”.

“We remain committed to partnerships that enhance good governance, youth empowerment, and sustainable development across all sectors”.

“To the newly sworn in officers, I urge you to lead with courage, to listen as much as you speak, and to continually place service above self”.

“Let your tenure be marked by achievements, transparency and meaningful impact”.

In his welcome address, Chairman, Charter Presentation Committee, Lion. Stephen Bolawole, expressed gratitude for being able to witness the first of it’s kind in Akoko land as a whole.

“Today, a seed is sown. A light is lit not merely for illumination but for transgenerational guidance. It is the awakening of a new spirit of service, compassion and of purposeful community among the people of ‘Oloke Meji Tako Tabo.

“Lions Club International stands upon a noble creed. Each letter a torch. Each word a solemn vow, seeking to uplift the lowly, to feed the hungry, to shield the blind and to gladden the face of the earth with acts of benevolence.

“Let us not tarry nor look back one in all in the spirit of unity and lift high the banner of service.”

Chairman of the occasion, Lion Dr. Olawale Jegede while appreciating members said Lions are serving a world in need with over 1.5 million members, 49 thousand Lions Club in over 200 countries worldwide and has a huge fund of over 2 billion Dollars to render for service to humanity.

He beckoned all to join in helping Ikare Diaspora Lions Club to achieve the aim of fund-raising for the community so that the club can succeed remarkably.

Similarly, President, Akure-Owena Lions Club, Lion Akinola Falusi, expressed gratitude that humanitarianism has been brought to his hometown which he said would aid in elevating the well-being of the downtrodden in the community.

Giving his remarks, District Governor, Lion . Osadebamwen Okoro emphasised that there was no better job as when service is being rendered to humanity.

He commended the guiding Lions for their efforts and charged the new officers to excel in their responsibilities.

The Celebrant and Charter President of Ikare Diaspora Lions Club, Lion Adedayo Akindele, in his acceptance speech, gave gratitude to God and appreciation to the initiator of the club, Lion Olatunji Jubreel, chairman, Dejavu Hotel and suites, Akure and the President of the sponsoring club, Akure- Owena Lions Club, Otunba Akinola Falusi Mabolosirin and the guiding Lions for their support and mentorship.

Lion Akindele shared his delight that Ikare Diaspora Lions Club had come to fruition in only less than three months and even so, during his time for the benefit of Ikare Indigenes especially the downtrodden.

According to him, the vision is to make profound impact in the lives of the less privileged in the community, stressing that his administration will focus on initiatives that promote education, health and empowerment that will drive positive changes and transform lives.

“We will be committed to those humanitarian services that are in consonance with the global cause of our organisation, the Lions Club International, without any ulterior motive or competition with the government but to essentially complement communal and governmental initiatives.

While promising to continue to do all within his power to impact the less privileged and the vulnerable in the community, Lion Akindele announced that the new Club has early in the day donated wheel chairs worth several millions of naira to Otun Ireti School for the Physically Impaired in Ikare-Akoko before the commencement of the investiture programme.

A major aspect of the ceremony was the induction and installation of the charter president and new club officers.

Thereafter was the fund-raising for club projects/ donations and award presentation to the Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa as well as his deputy, Dr. Olayide Odulami, among other recipients in recognition of their relentless commitment to the course of humanity.