The Lions Club International District 404B2 has announced plans to build a food bank in Ikeja that will serve approximately 100,000 people each year. This initiative is part of their effort to combat hunger in Lagos State.
Tolulope Ayodeji Senbanjo, the District Governor for the 2024-2025 service year disclosed this during his presentation as the District Governor and a N250 million fundraising luncheon dedicated to community service projects.
Addressing attendees at the event, Senbanjo emphasised the Lions Club’s commitment to addressing hunger in Nigeria. “The issue of hunger is a very important one for us as Lions. This year, we have decided to build a food bank in Ikeja that will cater to about 100,000 lives annually,” he said. He further explained that the project, which is divided into three phases, will include the construction of a warehouse to store food items, outreach programs to distribute food in communities, and school visits to provide food vouchers to students.
Founded in 1917, Lions Clubs International has grown to become one of the largest service organisations globally, with millions of members engaged in humanitarian efforts. The organisation’s work spans various causes, including hunger relief, vision care, disaster relief, youth programs, and environmental initiatives.
Speaking further, Senbanjo highlighted the critical role that government partnerships play in the success of such initiatives. “We need a partnership with the government. We recently visited the Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has assured us of his support. We need land to build the food bank, and if the governor can grant us that, we will build and equip it,” he said.
The District Governor outlined his goal to complete the project by June 30, 2025. In addition to the funds raised at the luncheon, the Lions Club plans to seek support from corporate organizations. “We have written to several companies that might not give us physical cash but could donate building materials or food items. The fundraising is ongoing until we achieve our goal of establishing the food bank,” Senbanjo added.
The food bank is part of a broader range of community service initiatives planned for the year. These include quarterly medical missions focused on diabetes awareness, vision screening, environmental projects, and support for children with pediatric cancer. “We are committed to touching on every aspect of our global causes,” Senbanjo remarked.
The event also featured remarks from Oladele Adeniran Shomefu, the First Vice President of the Ikeja Dynamic Lions Club. Shomefu lauded Senbanjo’s leadership and dedication to service, saying, “We are celebrating a man who is deeply committed to humanity. His dynamism as a leader sets him apart, and I am confident that he will use the funds raised judiciously to make a significant impact.”
Similarly, Olabode Ayanpeju, president of the Lagos State Press Lions Club, expressed strong support for the initiative. “N250 million is a huge target, but I believe in our District Governor’s vision and determination to make a difference. This food bank will be a crucial resource in these challenging times,” Ayanpeju said.
The Lions Club’s emphasis on service and accountability was echoed throughout the event, with leaders urging the public to appreciate and make good use of the resources provided by the organisation. As Senbanjo put it, “When we serve, we create a lasting impact in our communities. Government cannot do it alone; organisations like the Lions Club are here to support and make life bearable for people in our communities.”
The food bank project, once completed, is expected to be a lifeline for many Nigerians facing food insecurity, demonstrating the Lions Club’s unwavering commitment to serving those in need.
