Abeokuta Lions Club Funds Life-Saving Surgery for 12-Year-Old Nigerian Schoolboy

 

OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos 

In a compelling demonstration of community-driven humanitarian service, the Abeokuta Coral Lions Club, operating under District 404B3 of Lions Clubs International, has fully funded critical surgery and associated medical expenses for a 12-year-old school pupil in Ogun State, south-west Nigeria.

The beneficiary, Olanrewaju Oluwole, a pupil of Nawarudeen Primary School in Ikija, Abeokuta, underwent a successful surgical procedure at Moranugba Hospital and Maternity Clinic following a diagnosis of right inguinoscrotal hernia — a condition that had caused significant and progressive scrotal swelling.

According to the President of the Abeokuta Coral Lions Club for the 2025/2026 Lions year, Babajide Olaleye, the intervention reflects the organisation’s enduring commitment to community health, social equity and support for vulnerable populations.

“For us as Lions, this intervention goes beyond settling a hospital bill,” Olaleye said. “It is about restoring health, preserving dignity and giving renewed hope to a child and his family.”

Olaleye explained that the case came to light on October 18, 2025, during a condolence visit to a bereaved club member. While at a local mosque, he was approached by a classroom teacher from Nawarudeen Primary School, who appealed for urgent assistance on behalf of one of her pupils whose parents were financially unable to afford the required surgery.

The teacher presented medical documentation and a cost estimate issued by a government hospital, which placed the initial theatre fee at N119,750, excluding medications and post-operative care. 

Further assessments later revealed that the child required specialised surgical intervention.

Following the appeal, the Abeokuta Coral Lions Club conducted an independent evaluation, including a school visit and a clinical examination carried out by a club medical officer, Dr Adekanmbi. 

The examination confirmed a diagnosis of right inguinoscrotal hernia requiring surgical correction through herniorrhaphy.

Subsequent consultations with a paediatric surgeon led to the child’s referral to Moranugba Hospital and Maternity Clinic, where he underwent comprehensive pre-operative evaluation in the presence of his father.

With funds mobilised through the collective contributions of club members, coordinated by the Global Service Committee Chairperson, Abidemi Oyedele, the surgery was successfully performed on October 28, 2025.

Medical officials confirmed that the procedure was successful, and the child is responding well to post-operative care.

Olaleye noted that the case exemplifies the core values of Lionism and the global mission of Lions Clubs International to address unmet health needs and alleviate hardship in local communities.

“This case is a reminder of why we serve,” he said. “It reinforces the essence of Lionism — compassion in action, service without discrimination, and a commitment to making meaningful differences in people’s lives.”

The Abeokuta Coral Lions Club has a longstanding record of humanitarian interventions, particularly in the areas of healthcare access, education support and emergency assistance for underserved children and families across Ogun State.