By Ijeoma Umeh
Benin City played host to the Lions International District 404-A4 Convention, which kicked off with an opening plenary at the Prestige Hotel. The event was followed by a novelty sports event, which marked the official commencement of the convention. Lion Prince Osadebamwen Monday Okoro, District Governor of D 404-A4, declared the convention open, setting the stage for a week-long celebration of service, leadership, and community impact. This year’s convention, themed “Our Culture, Our Heritage,” promises to be an unforgettable experience for members of the Lions International
Prof. Edoba Omoregie, Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, represented by Prof Victor Igbineweka, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, delivered a keynote address on Service and Humanity and tasked Lions on commitment to the ideals of humanitarian services which he noted, was the nerve of societal growth and development.
Also imploring Lions to remain relentless in helping the needy, B.S. Kadiri, retired Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Edo State, stated that Nigeria can get it right when less emphasis is placed on humanitarian aid and donor funds and more focus placed on local content, which he noted, included humanitarian enterprises as the Lions often embarked on.
He commended Lions for their tireless efforts in building an equal and egalitarian society and implored them to be undaunting in doing good deeds.
Earlier, the District Governor opened the session by calling the house to order and presiding over plenary.
The District Governor welcomed Lions from across the District which spans Ondo, Edo and Delta States and implored them to ensure they tapped from the rich hospitality of Edo state as well as learn vital lessons as takeaways from the Convention.
In their remarks, Lion leaders, including PCC Adebisi Gbolagade, GAT Area leader, Past District Governor Patricia Udeme, Omonigho Okoro, First Vice District Governor and Doris Ken-Otokiti, Second Vice District Governor and Convention Chairperson all sued for commitment and zeal in driving the visions and missions of the Lions International, with the Vision 1.5m drive aimed at propelling membership growth. Lions were also enjoined to make social impacts through networking.
Opening plenary witnessed the award component, with Prof Edoba Omoregie and other dignitaries clinching awards in various humanitarian service categories.
There was pomp and pageantry with the innovation of the flag hoisting and parade ceremony where Lions International flags and flags of states that formed District 404-A4 Nigeria were held out on a colourful parade by members of the Leo clubs, the youth wing of the Lions International.
Other side events included the Hospitality night to be held later in the day.
The Lions International is a humanitarian service organization that is driven by Five Pillars of Service: Vision, Hunger, Diabetes, Cancer and Environment.