Lions District 404B5 Nigeria ushered in its inaugural 2026–2027 service year with a heartwarming humanitarian outreach at Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos, where the district celebrated the first babies born on July 1 by providing their families with financial assistance, baby supplies, and essential care items.
The outreach recognized the first child delivered at 12:06 a.m. on the opening day of the Lions service year. In a gesture of compassion, the district also extended the same support to the second baby born at the hospital. Both newborns were boys.
Speaking during the event, Chairperson of the First Baby of the Year Project, Lion Abiola Hotonu-Bababunmi, explained that the initiative was designed to rejoice with mothers following safe deliveries while easing some of the financial demands associated with welcoming a newborn.
She thanked the District Governor, Lion Phina Origho PMJF, NLCF together with members of Lions District 404B5, for their unwavering commitment to the project, expressing optimism that the programme would remain an annual tradition.
“We came to share in the joy of these families as they welcome their babies into the world. Serving humanity is at the core of what we do as Lions, and we are grateful that both mothers had safe deliveries. We hope this gesture brings encouragement and support as they begin this new chapter,” she said.
Also addressing the gathering, Lion Adekemi Badmos PMJF, NLCF, Global Service Team (GST) Coordinator for the 2026–2027 service year, noted that the project reflects the district’s dedication to improving lives through meaningful community service.
She disclosed that Gbagada General Hospital was selected after careful assessment of community needs and the hospital’s capacity to reach deserving beneficiaries.
“Our Lions service year officially begins on July 1, and we considered it fitting to commemorate the occasion by celebrating the first baby born during the new service year. Beyond congratulating the family, we wanted to provide practical support that would contribute to the baby’s wellbeing,” she stated.
According to her, the beneficiaries received cash donations, baby cots, diapers, food supplies, Pampers, and several other essential items for newborn care.
She further explained that although the original plan was to honour only the first baby delivered, the district leadership chose to include the second baby in order to extend the joy and impact of the initiative.
Second Vice District Governor, Lion Tosin Ijaduola MJF, NLCF, described the outreach as a touching reminder of the compassion that defines Lionism, emphasizing that genuine service is measured by the lives touched rather than the monetary value of assistance provided.
He explained that while the district has traditionally celebrated the first baby born on January 1 to mark the beginning of the calendar year, the leadership, under District Governor Lion Phina Origho PMJF, NLCF introduced the July 1 celebration to commemorate the start of the Lions service year.
“It was a deeply moving experience for all of us. The appreciation shown by the mothers reaffirmed why we serve. The true worth of this project lies not in the gifts presented but in the kindness, hope, and encouragement it brings to young families,” he said.
Second Vice District Governor Ijaduola added that the district is committed to sustaining the First Baby of the Year initiative as one of its signature humanitarian programmes, reinforcing Lions District 404B5’s dedication to compassionate service throughout the 2026–2027 service year.
