Lions Club International District 404B4 Nigeria has inaugurated Taiwo Fatoki as its new District Governor for the 2024/2025 service year.

Mr Fatoki, who was officially inducted by the Lions Club International President, Fabricio Oliveira, in Australia, was presented in Nigeria at a fundraiser for a community service project held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Saturday night

In his acceptance speech, Mr Fatoki outlined his administration’s key priorities, highlighting the fight against diabetes as a major focus area.

He said, “We have eight corporate centres that we focus on every year, but as district governor, I have chosen diabetes as my priority. We are also focusing on diabetes because it’s a major killer that can cause organ damage if left untreated.”

He emphasised the importance of early detection and awareness, stating, “Many people are unaware of their diabetes status, and we want to take awareness and testing to their doorsteps.”

He also highlighted a successful empowerment programme implemented in 2023 and pledged to continue the initiative, providing grinding machines and financial support to help widows start businesses and achieve financial independence.

On collaboration and continuity, Mr Fatoki acknowledged the ongoing work of the club and expressed his commitment to collaboration.

The governor said that he would work with the 10 regions across Nigeria and the 64 Lions Clubs to carry out advocacy projects, provide free diabetes testing and medication for the vulnerable, and offer referrals for critical care.

Building on a legacy of service, the National President of the Lions Club, Mr Oliveira, represented by International Director of Lion Club Nigeria, Bridget Tychus, commended Mr Fatoki and urged him to prioritise the club’s eight core causes.

Oliveira emphasised the importance of leaving a lasting legacy and making a significant contribution to areas such as hunger relief, paediatric cancer, humanitarian aid, vision, youth development, and disaster relief.

Celebrating past achievements and looking forward, Multiple District Governor, Lion Club, Anogwi Anyanwu, acknowledged the club’s past successes in eradicating measles, blindness, and alleviating poverty in Nigeria.

He assured continued support for the federal government in the fight against mpox through public education and advocacy campaigns.

The former Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji- Isola, served as the chairman of the occasion.

He commended the club’s dedication to humanitarian service and community projects worldwide and pledged his ongoing support.

Mr Isola expressed confidence in Mr Fatoki’s leadership, describing him as a “goal-getter” who would bring innovation and accomplishment to his term.

Mr Fatoki took over from Samson Abodunrin, who is now the immediate past district governor for Lion 4O4B4

(NAN)