DISTRICT 404-A2, NIGERIA
Lions meet the needs of local communities and the world every day because they share a core belief – to serve their community.
Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization. We have 1.35 million members in more than 45,000 clubs in more than 206 countries and geographic areas.
Lions have a dynamic history. Founded in 1917, we are best known for fighting blindness, but we also volunteer for many different kinds of community projects – including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry and aiding seniors and the disabled.
WELCOME LIONISM IN NIGERIA
Lionism birthed in Nigeria following the efforts of Lion Rene Loiuseau who initiated the formation of the first Lions Club in Nigeria in 1963. This efforts culminated in the charter of the then Lagos Lions Club on 21st December, 1964. The small but significant seed sown then have blossomed to the extent that we are celebrating fifty years anniversary of Lionism in Nigeria while the centenary anniversary of this noble club worldwid comes up in 2017 having been 97 years as at time of this docementation. From a humble beginning of 24 members in one club, the then Lagos Lions Club, now The Lagos Doyen Lions Club, we now have over 6,000 members in 242 clubs. From being part of the then District 403, we now have Multiple District 404, Nigeria, with for distinct districts.
As the only Club in the country, the Lagos (Doyen) Lions Club was grouped along with others, mainly Francophone Countries in West Africa, into what was then District 403A. Unhappy with this grouping, especially as the Congress was conducted in French with inadequate simultaneous translation facilities and also the monopoly of District Offices by the French speaking countries, concerted efforts were made at home by the Doyen Club to start off new clubs. This led to the Charter of several Clubs viz: Apapa, Yaba, Ikeja, Benin etc. These new Clubs in turn started sponsorship of other Clubs and with the efforts of several Lions, most prominent of whom were Doyen Akintola Williams, Lions Harry Knoop, Jaap Spiering, Olubunmi Odebiyi, Sam Alamutu, MON, Chief Layi Balogun, Ayo Rosiji, Fola Odufuye, Labi Silva, Chief Gbadamosi, etc. A sizeable member of clubs was chartered in several parts of the country. Having therefore formed enough clubs to constitute a new District, the International Office at Oakbrook, U.S. granted Nigeria a District Status name District 404 in April 1984. This was the the result of the "coup on Nigeria Airways" flight from Doulda, Cameroon in 1983 by the then leadership of District 403A. The new District had Lion Harry Knoop as the first District Governor. On board with him was Lion Sam Alamutu as the Lieutenant Governor, Lion Fola Odufuye as the Disrtict Cabinet Secretary while Lion (Chief) L. Gbadamosi served as the District Cabinet Treasurer. (source: 30th MD Convention & 50th Anniversary booklet)
ENTERED MULTIPLE DISTRICT 404, NIGERIA
By 2004, membership has grown tremendously and following an avalanche of leaders across Nigeria, steps were taken that resulted in granting of a multiple district status. This followed the failed attempt of 2001. With this, Princess Adetope Tychus became the first Multiple District Council CHairperson in 2005/2006. She was followed by others as Council Chairpersons: AVM Anthony Okpere, Dr. Teslim Sanusi, Engr. Abiola, Sir William Park, Dr. Yinka Griffin, Engr. Jaiyeola Balogun, Oqua Itu, and currently Prof. Ayoade Adesokan.
The multiple district status has impacted positively on membership drives as the two district grew rapidly such that in 2001 an attempt was made to redistrict the then District 404A and B into three sub-districts 404A, B and C. This was not successful however.
However, following deliberate and concerted efforts, District 404A started the process of redistricting in 2012 and got redistricted into 404A1 and A2 in 2013. Distrcit 404B got redistrcited into 404B1 and B2 in same year in what has become a record breaking event as the step to achieve that were started and completed within a period of four months by late DG Yinka Bolarinwa. That was indeed phenomenon. (source: 30th MD Convention & 50th Anniversary booklet)
Lions serve youth. Our community projects often support local children and schools through scholarships, recreation and mentoring. Internationally, we offer many programs, including the Peace Poster Contest, Youth Camps and Exchange and Lions Quest.
Our Leo Program provides the youth of the world with an opportunity for personal development through volunteering. There are approximately 144,000 Leos and 5,700 Leo clubs in more than 140 countries worldwide.
Lions award grants. Since 1968, the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has awarded more than US$700 million in grants to support Lions humanitarian projects around the world. LCIF was also ranked the number one nongovernmental organization in a 2007 study by The Financial Times.
Lions help during disasters. Together, our Foundation and Lions are helping communities following natural disasters by providing for immediate needs such as food, water, clothing and medical supplies – and aiding in long-term reconstruction.
Lions are active. Our motto is "We Serve." Lions are part of a global service network, doing whatever is necessary to help our local communities.
For more about Lions Clubs, go to www.lionsclubs.org
Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world.
