“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
In the true spirit of this timeless quote, Lions Clubs International, District 404B2 Nigeria, successfully held a Free Eye Screening and Donation of Eye Glasses event on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Bethesda Home and School of the Blind, Surulere, Lagos, in commemoration of Helen Keller Day 2025.
Helen Keller, an American author, disability rights advocate, and the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, transformed the way the world perceived individuals living with disabilities. Her legacy of courage and advocacy resonates deeply within the Lions community. In 1925, Helen Keller famously challenged the Lions to become the “Knights of the Blind in the crusade against darkness.” This historic call to service continues to inspire Lions globally, and particularly in District 404B2, to prioritize vision-related service activities.
The event served not only as a tribute to her legacy but also as a platform to educate the public on the importance of regular eye check-ups. Eye health is often overlooked until major complications arise. Routine screening can prevent many cases of avoidable blindness and ensure early detection of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and refractive errors.
At the phase of the activity opened to the public, over 100 individuals were screened by professional optometrists, and free prescription eyeglasses were provided to those in need. The smiles and gratitude from the beneficiaries reaffirmed the life-changing impact of such initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of the District, District Governor Lion Tolulope Ayodeji Senbanjo, PMJF, NLCF, emphasized the importance of vision in human dignity and productivity. “Helen Keller continues to inspire us to serve where the need is greatest,” he said. “Our commitment to vision care is not just a program; it is a promise to uphold the values of compassion and inclusion. As one of our five global causes, sight remains a priority for Lions everywhere, and we are proud to lead this effort in our communities.”
The Chairperson for Helen Keller Day 2025, Lion Alhaja Fausat Edu, NLCF, who coordinated the project with great dedication, expressed her heartfelt gratitude. “We are overjoyed at the success of this event,” she stated. “Our committee is proud to have been part of something that directly impacts lives. It is humbling and fulfilling to bring hope and clarity to so many.”
The students of Bethesda Home and School of the Blind delighted the Lions with a heartwarming musical performance, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance. As part of the day’s celebration, the planning committee presented a large framed portrait of Helen Keller, complete with her inspiring life story, to the school, a gesture that highlighted the significance of the occasion.
The celebration also featured a ceremonial cake-cutting to commemorate Helen Keller Day.
In addition to the comprehensive vision services rendered, the District demonstrated its compassion through the donation of essential items to the school. These included food supplies, toiletries, and a variety of thoughtful gifts further emphasizing the Lions’ commitment to holistic care and support for vulnerable communities. The total value of donated items exceeded ₦1 million.
Wrapping up the successful event, Lion Oluyemi Ashade, NLCF, Co-Chairperson of the planning committee, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who attended and contributed to the memorable occasion.
As the final District-wide service activity for the 2024–2025 Lions Service Year, the Helen Keller Day celebration fittingly wrapped up an inspiring year of impactful projects across District 404B2. With compassion, commitment, and community at the core, the Lions have once again proven that where there is a need, there is a Lion.
