BENIN-CITY/Nigeria: The Executive Chairman of Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue, who is also the District Governor Of The International Association Of Lions Club District 404 A1 Nigeria, Lion Sir Monday Onyeme accompanied by his cabinet members had visited Region 8 Benin city, Edo state to flag off one of their projects for the lions year 2018/2019 which is the free diabetes test (an awareness campaign against diabetes) at Central Hospital (Diabetes Support Centre).
The DG in his speech stated the reasons why the project is aimed at reducing sudden death resulting from diabetes, stating that with the campaign, Nigerians can have access to be screened/tested for free between now and the next two months and drugs also will be given to whoever has been tested to be diabetic.
Lion Onyeme called for the assistance of the hospital management as the club cannot do it alone.
The Chief Medical Director Dr Philip Ugbodaga Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon who was pleased with the intentions of the lions club, gave a brief history of the hospital stating that it was founded in the year 1902, stating that as an NGO conscious person, he is much aware that the government cannot provide all needs of the citizens.
“I am an NGO man, i have a good understanding of humanitarian service, clearly no government can do it all, hence the NGO’s meets the needs of those in the grass root to reduce social tension.” He said.
He said that the management of the hospital, appreciated the gesture as people don’t go to the hospital until they get sick, as a result of the poverty level in the land.
He assured that the hospital would partner with the club and give every necessary assistance and make sure they give whatever is been brought to those affected, despite the big problem faced in the Nigerian society of lack of trust.
The highlight of the visit to the hospital was the flag off the campaign by Sir Monday Onyeme, on diabetes awareness, screening, free test and treatment for the lions year 2018/2019, and the decoration of the Chief Medical Director and management team, who were encouraged to become lions as the lions club has specialised clubs.
One other projects to be carried out in the lions year 2018/2019 is elevating flood displaced persons, as a result of this the eldest Lion in the Region Lion Bayo Ogbomo was visited to sympathise with him, as flood took over his house.
A courtesy call was also paid to Oba of Benin (Omo N Oba Ewuare Ii Uku Akpolokpolo), His royal majesty Oba Ewuare II who expressed his happiness for the works being done by the club, and assured that the palace would continue to support the club in their humanitarian services.
The Oba who had been a lion was presented some pins and banners of the Lion Club.
Present at the event were the Chairperson of Region 8 Lion Honourable Joy Okon, and the Chartered President of Ovia Doyen in Okada, Lion Jide.
