The Lions Clubs of Region 11 commenced the 2026–2027 Lions service year with a humanitarian outreach that celebrated the first babies born on July 1 in Ilorin, Kwara State. The initiative brought joy to new mothers and their families while reaffirming the commitment of Lions Clubs to serving communities through compassionate acts.
The outreach was led by Lion Ayantola Wala Fawaz NLCF, Region 11 Region Chairperson for the 2026–2027 Lions Service Year, and coordinated by Lion Hajia Hassanat Akeera NLCF, Coordinator, First Baby of the Lions Year. Members from several Lions Clubs across the region participated in the project. Five members of Ilorin Metropolitan Lions Club, five members of Ilorin Central Lions Club, and one member of Ilorin Royal Lions Club took part in the outreach. The event also attracted four intending members from the hospitals visited, demonstrating growing interest in the humanitarian work of Lions Clubs. Collectively, members donated and pull resources together in support of the project.
The delegation visited two hospitals in Ilorin. At Temitope Hospital, gifts were presented to two mothers who delivered the first babies on July 1. The mothers received baby dryers and complete baby bath sets to support the care of their newborns.
The team later proceeded to the General Hospital Maternity, Amilegbe, Ilorin, where six newborn babies received essential baby care items, including baby clothes, diapers, cotton buds, cardigans, baby towels, sleeping gowns, dental care items, menthol rub, stockings, and other baby necessities.
Speaking during the outreach, Lion Hajia Hassanat Akeera NLCF, said the project reflected the compassionate spirit of Lions Clubs International and underscored the organization’s commitment to giving every service year a meaningful start.
“Beginning the new service year by celebrating the gift of life is a tradition that reminds us why we serve. These donations may appear simple, but they bring hope, encouragement, and practical support to families at a very important moment. We remain committed to touching lives and strengthening our communities through impactful service,” she said.
Also speaking, Lion Ayantola Wala Fawaz NLCF, Region 11 Region Chairperson, said the outreach demonstrated the commitment of Lions to impacting lives from the very first day of the service year.
“This project symbolizes our dedication to service and our desire to ensure that every service year begins with a meaningful impact on our communities. We will continue to champion initiatives that improve lives and inspire hope across Region 11,” he said.
The management of the hospitals expressed appreciation to the Lions for the thoughtful gesture and described the outreach as timely and commendable.
A representative of the hospital management stated, “We sincerely appreciate the Lions for remembering mothers and newborn babies at the beginning of the service year. This kind gesture provides encouragement to the families and complements the care we provide. We look forward to continued collaboration in promoting the health and well-being of our community.”
The First Baby of the Lions Year project remains one of the signature activities marking the beginning of the Lions service year, reflecting the organization’s enduring mission of kindness, hope, and service to humanity.
