In response to growing concerns over food insecurity, preventable health challenges and economic hardship affecting vulnerable communities, Lions District 404B5 Nigeria has unveiled a broad humanitarian agenda covering Ekiti, Kwara, Oyo and Lagos States.
The newly established district made the announcement during a press conference in Lagos as it commenced operations for the 2026/2027 Lions service year, outlining a series of interventions focused on hunger relief, healthcare, environmental sustainability, childhood cancer, disaster response and youth empowerment.
At the center of the district’s agenda is the proposed establishment of a modern food bank and district secretariat, with a ₦750 million fundraising campaign launched to support the initiative. The pioneer District Governor, Lion Phina Origho PMJF NLCF, said the new district was assuming responsibility at a time when rising economic pressures were making it increasingly difficult for many families to meet basic needs.
Addressing Lions leaders, Past District Governors and members of the media, she noted that economic difficulties were compelling some households to reduce or skip meals, while healthcare facilities continued to deal with conditions that could be prevented or detected early.
Food Bank to Provide Sustainable Hunger Relief
According to DG Origho, the proposed food bank will provide an organized mechanism for sourcing, storing and distributing food to vulnerable households across the district.
The project will be complemented by a district secretariat, which is expected to serve as the administrative center and a hub for volunteer development and training, strengthening the district’s capacity to coordinate its humanitarian programmes.
She stressed that the scale of the challenges facing communities requires Lions to deepen their commitment to service and develop solutions that go beyond temporary interventions.
The ₦750 million fundraising campaign, which forms a major part of the district’s plans, was scheduled for September 5, 2026, as part of the public presentation of the pioneer District Governor.
Expanding Healthcare Interventions
Health remains another major component of the district’s service priorities.
DG Origho said District 404B5 would align its activities with the eight global causes of Lions International with particular attention to vision and diabetes.
Planned interventions include cataract surgeries, community eye screenings and the distribution of eyeglasses to people who require them. The district also intends to intensify public education on diabetes while organizing free testing and screening programmes in communities.
She explained that early detection and direct community intervention would remain central to the district’s approach, particularly in addressing preventable blindness and diabetes-related complications.
Rather than waiting for vulnerable residents to seek assistance at healthcare facilities, Lions, she said, would take awareness, screening and support closer to the communities.
Environmental Protection and Disaster Response
Environmental sustainability is also included in the district’s service plans.
Lion Phina identified poor waste disposal, blocked drainage channels and deforestation as issues contributing to flooding and other environmental and health problems in communities. In response, District 404B5 plans to undertake tree-planting campaigns in schools and public spaces, while promoting recycling, proper sanitation and environmental awareness.
The district will also strengthen its support for children affected by cancer and establish mechanisms for faster humanitarian intervention when communities are hit by disasters or emergencies.
Youth Empowerment Takes Centre Stage
Youth development is another priority under the new administration.
Describing young people as an important part of the communities served by Lions, DG Origho announced plans for skills acquisition programmes, leadership mentorship and entrepreneurship workshops. The initiatives are intended to equip young people with practical skills and opportunities that can improve their ability to earn a livelihood, while helping address some of the economic pressures contributing to youth migration.
Supporting Lions International’s Mission 1.5
The district will equally participate in Lions International’s Mission 1.5 campaign, the global membership-growth initiative aimed at building Lions membership to 1.5 million worldwide.
DG Origho called on professionals, businesses, philanthropic organizations and other stakeholders to collaborate with Lions in delivering the district’s humanitarian objectives.
She emphasized that partnerships would be essential to expanding the reach and sustainability of the projects planned across the four states.
“If you want to make a tangible difference in Ekiti, Kwara, Oyo or Lagos, the Lions Club is your platform,” she said, while encouraging individuals and organizations to contribute their resources, expertise and time towards humanitarian service.
PDG Tolulope Senbanjo Recalls Origins of Food Bank Initiative
Giving a goodwill message, Past District Governor Lion Tolulope Senbanjo PMJF NLCF reflected on the history of the proposed food bank, noting that the idea originated during his tenure as District Governor in the 2024/2025 service year.
He explained that the initial objective was to raise ₦250 million towards establishing a world-class food bank in Lagos that would support people facing hardship.
Lion Senbanjo appealed to government agencies, individuals and organisations to support the initiative, noting that assistance could come in different forms.
He said the district would welcome support in securing suitable land, including an existing but dilapidated structure that could be renovated for the project.
He also called for partnerships with food producers and other stakeholders within the agricultural and food supply chain, while noting that Lions themselves would contribute towards stocking the facility.
Lions’ Track Record in Healthcare
Past District Governor Lion Kayode Oshinuga MJF NLCF highlighted the organization’s history of humanitarian intervention in Nigeria, particularly in the area of healthcare. He cited the Lions-supported eye center and eye bank at Isolo General Hospital in Lagos, where advanced ophthalmic services, surgeries and corneal processing have benefited thousands of people.
He also pointed to Lions’ partnership with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), including support for medical equipment upgrades and free clinical outreach programmes through its ophthalmology department.
According to Lion Oshinuga, Lions have also supported childhood cancer care through initiatives connected to LASUTH’s oncology services, including support for pediatric oncology. He said the organization was now turning significant attention towards hunger relief, making the proposed Lagos food bank a major humanitarian priority.
PDG Oshinuga appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to support the fundraising campaign and disclosed that the district was open to land donations for the proposed facility.
He said potential donors could contribute undeveloped land or existing structures that could be renovated and converted into the food bank.
Membership Growth Critical to Greater Impact
Immediate Past District Governor of District 404B2, Lion Oluwakemi Eribake PMJF NLCF, also emphasized the importance of membership growth in achieving the organization’s humanitarian objectives. She encouraged Lions clubs across the district to intensify efforts to attract new members and strengthen existing clubs.
According to her, a larger membership base would provide the human and financial capacity required to undertake more projects and reach more people in need.
She noted that while meaningful progress could still be made with limited membership, expanding the number of Lions would significantly increase the organization’s ability to respond to community needs.
The launch of the ₦750 million fundraising initiative and the unveiling of District 404B5’s service priorities mark the beginning of a new chapter for the district, with its leadership seeking to combine humanitarian relief with long-term, sustainable community development across Ekiti, Kwara, Oyo and Lagos States.
