The Lions Club International District 404B4 has installed Engr. Taiwo Fatoki as the new District Governor, who will oversee the district’s affairs for the next year.
International president Fabricio Oliveira installed Fatoki in Australia and was officially presented in Nigeria on Saturday as the new District Governor of District 404B4 yesterday in Abeokuta.
In his acceptance speech, Fatoki expressed his readiness to prioritize the fight against diabetes, emphasizing that he would focus on raising awareness and providing necessary support for those living with the disease.
Fatoki noted that while the previous administration focused on empowerment, his major priority this year would be combating diabetes.
He also revealed that his poverty alleviation programme would include empowering widows and creating opportunities for them despite the economic challenges.
“Last year, we successfully implemented an empowerment program, and this year, we will continue with this effort, with a special focus on diabetes. We have eight core projects we focus on each year, but as District Governor, I’ve chosen diabetes as my top priority.
“We plan to donate grinding machines and provide financial support to widows to help them start businesses and earn an income.
“We are also focusing on diabetes because it’s a major killer that can cause organ damage if left untreated. Many people are unaware of their diabetes status, and we want to bring awareness and testing to their doorsteps,” he said.
Fatoki stated that across the ten regions within District 404B4 Nigeria, each region will carry out advocacy projects through their sixty-four clubs, while also providing free drugs and other healthcare services to vulnerable individuals.
“We will provide free testing, medication, and referrals to hospitals for those in need of critical care. Diabetes is a manageable disease, but people need to know their status early.
“In addition to our focus on diabetes, we will continue to support other areas such as vision, pediatric cancer, empowerment, humanitarian aid, and hunger relief,” he added.
In his remarks, international president Fabricio Oliveira urged Engr. Fatoki to prioritize the eight causes of Lions Club International.
He encouraged him to view obstacles as opportunities to bring relief to members, urging him to remain steadfast in poverty relief efforts.
Oliveira, who was represented by International Director of Lions Club, Adetope Tychus, emphasized that Lions worldwide are expected to leave lasting legacies and make their mark in various areas.
He added that Lions Club International focuses on eight global causes, and they expect district governors, including Engineer Fatoki, to make significant contributions in these areas: Hunger Relief, Pediatric Cancer, Humanitarian Relief, Vision, Diabetes, Youth Development.
She encouraged leaders to make a meaningful impact in these areas, showcasing the positive work of Lions Club International and attracting new members from the public.
Also speaking, the multiple district governor, Anogwi Anyanwu, noted that Lions Club has been responsive in the eradication of measles, blindness, and poverty alleviation in Nigeria.
He assured that Lions Club will continue to support the federal government in the fight against Mpox.
