Lagos: The Yaba Lions Club, District 404A3, inaugurated four refurbished toilets at the Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) Staff Primary School as part of its community service initiatives. The project was carried out following a needs assessment by the club, highlighting the importance of such facilities for the school’s pupils.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Governor of Lions International District 404A3 Nigeria, Mrs. Mary Onu, emphasized that the Lions Club projects are driven by the needs identified by the communities they aim to serve. She stated, “Before we do any project in the Lions Club, we carry out community needs assessment. We ask what the people need because there is no point providing something they already have or do not require. When we came here and asked about their needs, they identified the toilets as a priority, and that informed our decision to intervene.”
Onu noted that this project is part of a series of initiatives she undertook during her tenure as district governor, promising continued impact on communities through similar projects. Mr. Samuel Ojo, President of Yaba Lions Club, explained that the intervention was crucial to improve the health and well-being of students, noting the poor condition of the toilets prior to the refurbishment. “Our concern was how children could learn in such an environment without exposure to diseases. We wanted to provide them with a safer and more conducive facility,” he said.
Ojo also highlighted the club’s focus on influencing young minds positively and fostering a culture of giving back to society. He expressed concerns over the rising rate of substance abuse among young people, urging collective action to combat it. “We need to fight drug abuse from a young age. Teachers and parents must be more intentional in guiding children, monitoring their activities and educating them on the dangers associated with illicit drug use,” he said.
A past Council Chairperson of Lions Multiple District 404 Nigeria, Mr. Anogi Anyanwu, noted that the project aligns with the environmental initiatives promoted by the district governor. He mentioned that one of the governor’s core projects encourages clubs within the district to provide quality toilet facilities in primary schools. He hoped the project would improve sanitation and positively impact the beneficiaries.
The Chairman of the Project Committee, Board of Governors, Yabatech Staff School, Mr. Bolagun Oludare, commended the Lions Club for its intervention, recalling the poor state of the toilets before the refurbishment. He appreciated the quality and speed of the execution, stating, “From the quality of work to the speed of execution, the project is highly commendable. As a builder, I am impressed.”
Dr. Abiodun Ashiru, Chairman of the Board of Governors, Yabatech Staff School, praised the club for providing a cleaner and safer environment for the students. He highlighted the significance of partnerships between non-governmental organizations and educational institutions. “We encourage pupils and staff to make proper use of the facility and maintain it for the benefit of others,” he said.
The Head Teacher of the school, Mr. Adeniyi Rasak, expressed gratitude to the Lions Club for their intervention, stating that the refurbished toilets would significantly improve sanitation within the school. “On behalf of the board, teachers, pupils, and parents, I thank the Lions Club for this gesture. We will ensure that the facility is used and maintained properly,” he said.
As part of the event, the club also distributed exercise books to pupils and unveiled reusable shopping bags to combat environmental degradation from excessive use of nylon bags.