OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
Lions Club International District 404B4, Nigeria, on Wednesday commenced its third annual district convention, tagged KITIGBE 2026, bringing together hundreds of Lions members, partners, community leaders and the media to review impact, strengthen leadership and chart new pathways for humanitarian service across southwestern Nigeria.
The four-day convention, holding from February 5 to 8, 2026, is taking place at Temperance Hotels, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, under the theme “Creating Endless Possibilities Together.”
Speaking at a press briefing to formally open the convention, the First Deputy District Governor, Lion Patience Ngene, welcomed members of the press and stakeholders, describing the media as critical partners in amplifying Lions Club International’s humanitarian mission.
“Our partnership with the media is vital in projecting our service initiatives, leadership efforts and community impact. Together, we can ensure that stories of service reach the people who need hope the most,” she said.
She later introduced the District Governor, Lion Pharmacist Adebowale Afolayan, who delivered the keynote address, highlighting the growth, achievements and future priorities of District 404B4.
According to Lion Afolayan noted that KITIGBE 2026 marks the third edition of the district’s annual convention, following previous editions held in Abeokuta and Oshogbo, saying the choice of Ota reflected the district’s commitment to community inclusion and grassroots service.
He disclosed that District 404B4 has recorded significant membership growth, expanding from 65 clubs with 1,581 members to 73 clubs with 1,786 members, placing the district among the top-performing districts in Africa, currently ranking second continent-wide in membership growth.
“This growth translates to more hands, more ideas and greater impact in our communities,” the governor said.
The district governor outlined wide-ranging humanitarian interventions undertaken over the past seven months, spanning communities in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states.
He stated that Lions Club International District 404B4 has delivered extensive diabetes screening and care, vision services, and pediatric cancer support, working with health institutions including the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Adeoyo Specialist Hospital, and Federal Medical Centres in Abeokuta and Ilaro.
“Through our vision care programmes, many individuals who were at risk of avoidable blindness can now see clearly and live productive lives,” he said.
"In education, the district has donated books to schools in Ibadan, renovated libraries, and implemented Reading Action Programmes in Ota aimed at improving literacy and leadership development among children." He added
Lion Afolayan acknowledged the support of corporate and institutional partners that have contributed to the success of the convention and district projects, disclosing that the district has engaged government and traditional institutions through courtesy visits to local government authorities, and the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, reinforcing collaboration between Lions Club International and public leadership.
He highlighted that KITIGBE 2026 will feature leadership development sessions, strategic meetings, fellowship activities, training workshops and service engagements, designed to equip members for greater community impact.
The district governor stressed that the convention’s theme reflects Lions Club International’s commitment to collective action and compassion.
“Every hungry child, every sick patient unable to pay medical bills, and every struggling family is a call to service. As Lions, we will not rest until we create meaningful and lasting change,” he said.
Responding to questions from journalists, the district leadership explained the organizational structure of Lions Club International, noting that Nigeria’s Lions movement began in 1964 and has since grown to nearly 500 clubs nationwide.
District 404B4 emerged following successive redistricting exercises aimed at improving administrative efficiency and service delivery, with leadership progression structured from club, zone and region levels up to district, multiple district and international leadership.
The convention also highlighted inspiring stories of social transformation, including that of a young boy rescued from hardship through community intervention, reinforcing Lions Club International’s role as “an angel” in vulnerable communities.
As KITIGBE 2026 continues, district leaders expressed optimism that the convention will further strengthen unity, leadership excellence and humanitarian service across Nigeria and beyond.
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