As part of activities to usher in a new calendar year, the Lions Club International, District 404-B2, Ekiti State Chapter, held its annual thanksgiving service at the Anglican Cathedral,Okesa Ado Ekiti and the Ansar-ud-Deen Central Mosque, Odo-Otu, Atikankan, Ado-Ekiti.
The Thanksgiving, attended by dignitaries, club executives, and members of the public, was an opportunity for the globally renowned service organisation to express gratitude to God and reaffirm its commitment to humanitarian causes.
In his admonishment, Dean of the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesa Ado Ekiti, Venerable Simeon Olajobi, urged Nigerians to embrace selfless service and cultivate a spirit of generosity to build a more compassionate and united society.
Delivering the sermon, the Chief Imam of the mosque, Alhaji Abdul-Mutolib Abdullahi Muhammed, called on Nigerians to cultivate the habit of giving thanks to God in all circumstances.
He emphasised that gratitude attracts divine blessings and strengthens faith during difficult times.
“No matter the situation, we must always return to God with a heart of gratitude. It is a sign of faith and submission to His will, urging citizens to remain steadfast and supportive of one another, especially in challenging economic times,” the Imam noted.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of Lions Club Region 11, Ekiti State, Lion Otunba Olukayode Ige, described the club’s mission as a global commitment to service, with a special focus on supporting the less privileged through impactful interventions.
“Lions Club is a global network of volunteers working to meet humanitarian needs. Here in Ekiti, we’ve provided relief materials, paid medical bills for indigent patients and carried out community health projects,” he said.
He further urged the government at all levels to complement the efforts of service organisations by investing more in social welfare and supporting vulnerable populations.
Lion Otunba Ige also reiterated the need for synergy between government institutions, religious organisations, and humanitarian groups to effectively address the needs of vulnerable populations.
Also addressing the gathering, a former District Governor, Professor Dayo Fagbohun, emphasised that genuine giving starts from the heart, not from abundance.
“It’s not how much we have, but how much we’re willing to give. Even a little kindness can change someone’s life, encouraging well-meaning individuals to reach out to the underprivileged around them,” he stated.
On his part, President of the Ado-Ekiti Chapter of the club, Lion Prince Kayode Oni, expressed joy at the growing presence and impact of the club across Ekiti State.
He described Lions Club as a network of elite professionals with a passion for service and a shared vision of uplifting the downtrodden.
“Our membership may include professionals and business people, but our hearts beat for the poor. That is why we do what we do,” he remarked.
The event also featured the presentation of the Holy Bible and Qur’an and cash gifts to the church and mosque, aimed at promoting religious education and values among worshippers.