In a powerful demonstration of compassion, unity, and service, Region 8 of Lions District 404B2, successfully carried out a Hunger Relief and Medical Outreach in Ilaje Bariga, Lagos State, positively impacting the lives of over a thousand community members. The two-in-one humanitarian intervention addressed both immediate food needs and essential health concerns, reinforcing the Lions’ commitment to improving quality of life and restoring human dignity.
The outreach, held at 84, Odunsi Street, Ilaje Bariga, featured the distribution of food items such as rice, garri, spaghetti among others to vulnerable individuals and families, alongside free medical screenings. Beneficiaries received vital health checks, including blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar (glucose) testing, and general health assessments, helping many residents detect underlying conditions early and receive basic health guidance.
ADDRESSING A CRITICAL NEED
Hunger remains one of the most pressing challenges in Nigeria and across Africa. According to recent estimates, over 26 million Nigerians face acute food insecurity, while more than 140 million people across Africa experience moderate to severe hunger. The effects of hunger are far-reaching leading to malnutrition, weakened immunity, poor academic performance in children, reduced productivity, and increased vulnerability to disease and poverty. Combating hunger is therefore not just a humanitarian necessity, but a vital investment in sustainable development, public health, and social stability.
Lion Adedeji Olukokun PMJF NLCF the region chairperson in his address to the media emphasized the deeper purpose behind the outreach: “Hunger remains a critical challenge in our communities, and today’s outreach reflects the Lions’ unwavering commitment to service. Through this hunger relief project, we are not only providing food but also restoring dignity and hope to families in need. I sincerely thank all the clubs in Region 8, the host community, and our partners and stakeholders for their support, cooperation, and dedication in making this two-in-one activity a huge success. Together, we will continue to serve with compassion, unity, and purpose, ensuring that we continue to make positive impact and transform lives through service.”
PART OF A GLOBAL MOVEMENT
This impactful outreach is in line with Lions International Global Week of Service on Hunger, running from January 3 to January 11, during which Lions around the world take decisive action to fight hunger. Across different countries, Lions are organizing food drives, community feeding programs, school meal support initiatives, urban farming projects, and partnerships with food banks, all united by a shared mission to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry.
COLLABORATION ACROSS REGION 8
The success of the Ilaje Bariga outreach was made possible through the collective efforts of clubs across Region 8. Special commendation goes to participating clubs, including Lagos Elite Lions Club, Eko Royal Lions Club, Lagos Indiana Lions Club, Lagos Hilton Lions Club, Lagos Pride Lions Club, Lagos British Lions Club and other committed clubs within the region whose members turned compassion into action through their time, resources, and dedication.
In his remarks, Zone 8B Chairperson, Lion Adeola Boluogun NLCF, applauded the collaborative spirit displayed during the outreach, noting that the activity exemplified the true essence of Lionism, service beyond self, teamwork, and responsiveness to community needs.
The President of Lagos Elite Lions Club, Lion Lucy Unegbu PMJF NLCF, described the project as a fulfillment of the club’s mission to touch lives meaningfully, stating that seeing smiles and relief on beneficiaries’ faces reaffirmed the value of service.
Similarly, President of Eko Royal Lions Club, Lion Shakirat Arowosaye, expressed pride in her members’ commitment, emphasizing that sustainable community impact begins with showing up for people when they need help the most.
GRATITUDE FROM BENEFICIARIES
Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed deep appreciation to the Lions. Many described the food items and medical checks as timely interventions that brought relief, hope, and reassurance. One community member noted that the free health screening helped identify a previously unknown health issue, calling the outreach “a blessing that came at the right time.”
A CALL TO CONTINUED SERVICE
As hunger and health challenges continue to affect millions, initiatives like this underscore why humanitarian service remains critical. Hunger undermines human potential, fuels poverty, and threatens community wellbeing but through collective action, compassion, and purposeful leadership, it can be confronted.
The Region 8 Hunger Relief and Medical Outreach stands as a shining example of what is possible when service-minded individuals unite for a common cause. With over 1000 lives touched, dignity restored, and hope renewed, Lions of District 404B2 once again demonstrated that where there is need, there is a Lion. As the Global Week of Service on Hunger draws to a close, Lions remain steadfast in our mission to serve humanity, alleviate suffering, and transform lives through meaningful service.
