In a heartwarming display of humanitarian service, the Sagamu Metropolitan Lions Club recently brought essential relief to residents of the Ogun State Hospital Management Board Hansen Disease Settlement in Oke-Eriwo, Ijebu-Igbo.
Commemorating World Service Day with Action
The visit, which took place during the Lions World Service Day celebrations, saw club members distribute substantial food supplies and other necessities to the settlement's residents. Dele Tajudeen, the 2nd Vice District Governor of Lions Club District 404A3 Nigeria, personally led the delegation to the community.
During his address to the beneficiaries, Tajudeen emphasized the club's ongoing commitment to the settlement. "This is not our first visit here," he stated. "During our previous visit, we noticed you needed medications, and we provided them. This time, we've focused on addressing your food needs."
Substantial Donations for Daily Needs
The humanitarian package included an impressive array of items carefully selected to meet the settlers' daily requirements. Among the donations were:
- Bags of rice, gari, and beans
- More than 40 tubers of yam
- Crates of eggs and cartons of Indomie noodles
- Fresh fish, peppers, tomatoes, and onions
- Kegs of red oil and kerosene
- Personal care items including toothpaste, bathing soap, and sponge
- Neat clothing for the residents
All items were purchased exclusively through member contributions, without any government assistance, demonstrating the club's self-funded approach to humanitarian work.
A Legacy of Service and Compassion
Club President Ajibode Babatunde reinforced the organization's mission, stating that the club takes pride in "assisting the downtrodden and generally putting smiles on people's faces." He noted that their leader's previous experience with the settlement motivated their return to provide continued support.
Tajudeen further explained the Lions Club's global reach and diverse focus areas, highlighting that the international organization boasts over 1.5 million members worldwide working on projects spanning vision care, hunger relief, environmental conservation, diabetes awareness, childhood cancer support, youth empowerment, and humanitarian assistance.
The head of the beneficiary community, Ganiyu Obisanya, expressed profound gratitude for the donations while also outlining ongoing challenges facing the settlement. He mentioned that their water tap requires repair, and both their accommodations and kitchens need rehabilitation, with the settlement gate also in poor condition.
The Sagamu Metropolitan Lions Club continues to demonstrate that organized civic groups can significantly complement government efforts in addressing societal needs, particularly for vulnerable communities like the Hansen Disease settlers of Oke-Eriwo.
