In a remarkable show of compassion and community service, Maryland Royal Lions Club on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, commissioned a groundbreaking 5-in-1 legacy project at GRA Primary School (Inclusive Unit), Ojota, Lagos, a school that caters specifically to children with special needs including those with dyslexia, autism, and hearing impairments.
The series of projects were purposefully targeted to support the unique needs of the school population and enhance the quality of learning, safety, and well-being for both staff and pupils. For their legacy project for 2024-2025 service year, Maryland Royal Lions Club delivered the following:
- Construction of 4 toilets equipped with modern sanitary facilities across four existing classrooms to improve hygiene.
- A mega, wheelchair-accessible outdoor playground, complete with walkways and sensory play equipment tailored for special needs pupils.
- Renovation of an entire block of classrooms used by children with special needs, creating a more stimulating and safer learning environment.
- Revamping of the school’s borehole and water system, ensuring reliable access to clean water.
- Repair of a damaged wheelchair-accessible ramp and repainting of the poles bearing the National and School flags restoring pride and functionality to the school’s frontage.
Across Africa, an estimated 10% to 15% of children live with some form of disability, according to UNICEF and WHO data. Yet, awareness and inclusion remain alarmingly low, with only a fraction of schools equipped to serve children with special needs. In Nigeria, many such children are either left behind or struggle in environments not adapted to their conditions.
This initiative by Maryland Royal Lions Club is a powerful response to this often-overlooked demographic, demonstrating leadership and empathy in action. More importantly, it calls attention to the urgent need for inclusive infrastructure and services in our educational systems.
Maryland Royal Lions Club – Champions of Youth Empowerment
True to their legacy, Maryland Royal Lions Club has remained steadfast in investing in young people. They proudly sponsor not just an Omega Leo Club but are also among the few clubs in Multiple District 404 Nigeria that sponsor an Alpha Leo Club, focusing on instilling leadership, service, and empowerment in teenagers and youth.
The president of the club Lion Khadeejat Mojisola Akanni-Allimi, MJF, NLCF in her statement said “Today is a day of impact, inclusion, and service from the heart. We believe that every child, regardless of ability, deserves a conducive environment to grow, learn, and thrive. This project is not just infrastructure, it’s a message to the world that these children matter. We are proud of this legacy and urge other Lions Clubs to prioritize inclusivity in their service delivery.”
Similarly, the District Governor; Lion Tolulope Senbanjo PMJF, NLCF who was present to commission the projects stated that “This is service at its finest. Maryland Royal Lions Club has once again raised the bar by focusing on an underserved population, children with special needs. It aligns perfectly with our global focus on inclusivity, youth empowerment, and impactful legacy projects”. He further commended the Club and encouraged other Lions across the District to replicate this act.
The Lions delegation was warmly received by the Assistant Head Teacher and Head of the Inclusive Unit, Mrs. Basirat Aderonke Fahm. In her remarks, she gave thanks to the Lions Club and emphasized that what Maryland Royal Lions Club has done for the school is beyond physical structures. They have given our children dignity, accessibility, and joy. Many of our pupils have never seen a playground that welcomes them until now. We are overwhelmed with gratitude and pray for continued blessings on your club.
At the commissioning ceremony, students of GRA Primary School both special needs and regular pupils thrilled guests with a vibrant cultural display and energetic chants, much to the delight of everyone in attendance. The Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government Area, Barrister Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe, was ably represented by Hon. Baruwa Sulaiman Olalekan, the Councilor representing the ward in which the school is located. It was a particularly emotional moment for the Councilor, as he is an alumnus of the school.
This extraordinary 5-in-1 legacy project is a shining example of what Lions Clubs can accomplish when service is done with intentionality and inclusiveness. Maryland Royal Lions Club has not only improved infrastructure but has sown seeds of hope and happiness into the lives of children who are often forgotten.
We encourage more clubs across District 404B2, and indeed the entire MD404 Nigeria, to draw inspiration from this impactful intervention. Let us continue to light up communities one inclusive project at a time. Following the commissioning, Maryland Royal Lions Club held a memorable appreciation and award presentation ceremony. During this segment, plaques and special recognitions were presented to donors, Lion leaders, supportive club members, as well as the Executive Chairman and the Honorable Councilor, in acknowledgment of their invaluable support and contributions.
