NGO targets 20,000 vulnerable persons for visual health services
Lions Club International (LCI), District 404B3 Nigeria, says it is providing eye care services to no fewer than 20,000 vulnerable persons in the communities where the club covers. The District Governor, LCI 404B3, Otunba Olayiwola Fadairo made this known on Saturday, during a media briefing to inaugurate the district and mark the beginning of the Lion service year.
Newsmen reports that the Lions year runs from July 1 to June 30 of the following year and the theme for the 2023/2024 service year is: “Rebirth of Service.” Highlighting his plans for the year, Fadairo said that the core project of the district would be centred on visual health, with a total of N100 million budgeted to execute the project.
He said that the money would be sourced through fundraising, donations from members, government and others. He said that the eye services to be rendered include surgery, medications, counselling and provision of eyeglasses.
Fadairo added that the beneficiaries would be selected from the four axes that the district covers namely; Lagos, Otta, Abeokuta and Ibadan.
“Our core project for this service year will revolve around vision. We understand the profound impact that clear vision can have on an individual’s quality of life.
“It is our duty and responsibility to ensure that no one is deprived of the gift of sight.
“Presently, we have 5,000 eyeglasses on the ground to be given out and we will carry out eye screening bi-monthly in these four axes to know the eye care needs of the people.
“Those who would need glasses would be given, while those in need of medication or cataract surgery will also be provided for.
“We also have other areas of focus for the year which include diabetes, childhood cancer, feeding the hungry and the environment. We will still touch on all these areas but the primary focus is vision.
He said that they had partnered with eye care professionals, organizations, and communities to provide comprehensive eye care projects, spread awareness about visual health, and support individuals with visual impairments. On the theme for the Lions service year, he said that it signified the club’s deep conviction that service had the power to regenerate, renew, and transform lives and communities.
“It symbolises our relentless dedication to bring about positive change, to challenge the status quo, and to foster a spirit of innovation in our service endeavours.
“It is a call to action to breathe new life into the way we engage in service, to push the boundaries of what is possible, and to chart a new trajectory of lasting impact,” he said.
Fadairo is the first district governor of the new 404B3 district which was formed from the now-dissolved 404B1 district. He, therefore, stressed commitment to membership growth and engagement, urging members under the district to increase the membership of their various clubs.
“Membership growth and engagement will be a pivotal focus to expand our Lions family and ensure the longevity of our endeavours.
“Leadership development will be paramount, as we aim to nurture and empower individuals who can steer our district towards greater heights.
“We will forge stronger collaborations with local organisations, NGOs, governments, and businesses to leverage our collective strengths and create synergistic partnerships.
“Our youth will be nurtured, engaged, and empowered to be catalysts for positive change. Through effective fundraising and financial stewardship, we will ensure the sustainability and success of our service projects,” he said.
Also speaking, former District Governor, Mrs Oluremi Odunmbaku, congratulated Fadairo for emerging as governor of the new district. She expressed unwavering faith and confidence in his capabilities to steer the affairs and lay the solid foundation for the growth of the district. She also implored members to show their support for the success of the district to be able to impact the communities with effective service.
NAN/S.S
