The Lions Club International, District 404B4 has called on government, stakeholders and philanthropists to focus more on uplifting vulnerable members of society amid current economic challenges in the country.

District Governor, Taiwo Fatoki, made the call on Saturday at the annual presentation of awards of excellence for the 2024/2025 Lions Club year in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Mr Fatoki emphasised the need to also appreciate efforts of individuals and organisations serving humanity, citing the club’s commitment to helping others despite the economic hardship.

According to him, without the poor, there cannot be the rich, calling on the rich to appreciate God by paying more attention to the vulnerable.

He listed some of the projects the club had undertaken to support the less fortunate in society to include donation of borehole, renovation of classrooms, hunger alleviation programmes and healthcare services among others.

Mr Fatoki said that the government should not be left to do everything, saying humanity service was for everyone.

He stated, “The lion year starts July 1, 2024, and for the past 356 days, these people have been serving humanity, and we must do something to appreciate them, hence this award presentation to appreciate and encourage them. Apart from these projects that I have mentioned, there are eight core activities that we carried out in conjunction with the United Nation. Don’t let us deceive ourselves, this issue of hunger has always been there, and it will continue to be. It is now left for the rich, according to the wish of God to help the poor; not all will be rich, we can’t have a driver without a CEO,  This is what Lions Club is doing, that is the only way that there will be a form of fairness and equity,  that is the only way.’’

Some newspaper houses were awarded at the event for media partnership including awards such as Fellows Lion’s Club award, District Best President award, Most Innovative Club award, Membership Growth award and Service Reporting award among others.

(NAN)