Organisation set to host All Africa Conference

For five days, Nigeria will be the focus of the world as the Lions Club host the All Africa Conference (AAC).

This declaration was made at a recent press briefing organised by the local organising committee of the International Association of Lions Club on January 25, 2016.

The conference to be hosted by Lions Multiple District 404 Nigeria from February 10th to 14, 2016 at the conference venue of Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, will be attended by the global leadership of the Lions Club including International President, Jitsuhiro Yamada and his predecessor, Joe Preston, who is also chairman Lions International Charity Foundation.

Also expected at this year’s conference are the international first and second vice presidents Robert Corlew III and Naresh Aggarwal respectively.

The forthcoming edition is the third time Nigeria will have the hosting privilege in the 21-year history of the conference, having previously hosted in 2000 and 2004.

A press briefing had in attendance Princess Adetope Tichus, International Director Endorsee, retired Air Vice Marshall Anthony ‘Ehije Okpere and Multi Council chairperson, Stella Agbogun who in her opening remark reiterated Lion’s Club commitment to uplift the less privileged in the society. In his address, Okpere explained the Nigeria chapter of the club won the right to host the 21st edition of the All Africa Conference two years ago at an international meeting.

While affirming that the host committee’s commitment towards ensuring memorable outing, he confirmed that “delegates from USA, Iceland, Germany, France, Italy Japan, India, Lebanon and all member countries in Africa that constituted the African membership have registered.”

The conference is scheduled to kick-off with a grand opening ceremony where former Nigerian head of states, General Yakubu Gowon is expected to deliver a key note address on the conference theme of Strength in Unity.

“A big cultural night will be staged for the delegates at the Nigerian Air Force Officers Mess, Kofo Abayomi, Victoria Island, on Friday February 12, by 7 pm,” he disclosed.

Consultative assembly and plenary sessions will hold from February 11 through to 13. Similarly, pertinent issues will be presented by eminent Lions including the immediate past international president, Joe Preston.

The conference will be rounded off on the evening of February 13 with a banquet gala dinner in honour of Dr. Jitsuhiro Yamada and his executives.

Activities lined up to engage members of the public include International Women workshop, which is open to all women in the society, children symposium titled Obesity in Children and the Inherent Dangers, and Leadership Experience Opportunity (LEO) workshop where young adults in the Lions family will have hands on experience on management and leadership skill.

Talking about the focus of the conference, Okpere avowed: “The theme of this conference, Strength in Unity, is in consonance with the need of Africa as a continent, because we are so fractionalised, even at home here in Nigeria, not to talk of the larger Africa.”