By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe
The Yaba Lions Club, District 404A3, on Thursday inaugurated four toilets it refurbished at the Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) Staff Primary School, Lagos, as part of its community service.
At the inauguration, the Governor, Lions International District 404A3 Nigeria, Mrs Mary Onu, said the project was undertaken following a needs assessment carried out by the club.
According to her, Lions Club projects are guided by needs identified by beneficiary communities.
“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,” she said.
Onu said that the project formed part of a series of activities undertaken during her tenure as district governor.
She said that the club would continue to impact communities through projects.
The President of Yaba Lions Club, Mr Samuel Ojo, said the intervention was aimed at improving the health and well-being of pupils.
Ojo said that poor condition of the toilets necessitated urgent intervention.
“If you saw the state of the toilets before now, you would understand why this project became necessary.
“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.
He added that the club deliberately focused on pupils to positively influence their mindsets and encourage a culture of giving back to society.
On drug abuse, Ojo expressed concern over increasing rate of substance abuse and mental health challenges among young people.
According to him, drug abuse has become a major societal problem that requires collective action.
“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, said the project aligned with the environmental initiatives championed by the district governor.
Anyanwu said one of the governor’s cardinal projects was encouraging clubs within the district to provide quality toilet facilities in primary schools within their communities.
He hoped that the project would improve sanitation and positively impact the beneficiaries.
He described Lions Club International as a global service organisation operating in more than 200 countries and serving humanity through various focus areas.
He listed the areas to include environmental protection, diabetes awareness creation, vision care, and childhood cancer support.
Anyanwu said the club had also intensified campaigns against drug abuse, which he identified as a major contributor to mental health challenge.
He noted members of the club distributed awareness flyers during the event and would continue sensitisation efforts in schools and other public places about the dangers of drug abuse.
The Chairman of the Project Committee, Board of Governors, Yabatech Staff School, Mr Bolagun Oludare, commended the club for the intervention.
Oludare said the toilets were in poor condition before the refurbishment.
He recalled that when Lions Club members visited the school, discussions were ongoing on improving infrastructure ahead of the school’s 40th anniversary celebration.
“We were deliberating on how to improve the school’s infrastructure before the anniversary celebration when the Lions Club came in with this intervention.
“From the quality of work to the speed of execution, the project is highly commendable. As a builder, I am impressed,” he said.
The Chairman, Board of Governors, Yabatech Staff School, Dr Abiodun Ashiru, also praised the club for providing a cleaner, safer and more conducive environment for pupils.
Ashiru described the project as a demonstration of the importance of partnerships between non-governmental organisations and educational institutions.
“What you have done is enviable and underscores the value of collaboration between NGOs and schools.
“We encourage pupils and staff to make proper use of the facility and maintain it for the benefit of others,” he said.
He appealed to the club to consider supporting the school’s computer laboratory and library.
The Head Teacher of the school, Mr Adeniyi Rasak, thanked to the club for the intervention.
Rasak said the refurbished toilets would significantly improve sanitation within the school, and gave the assurance that the facility would be properly maintained.
“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 activities marking the event, the club distributed exercise books to pupils and unveiled reusable shopping bags in an effort to reduce environmental degradation caused by excessive use of nylon bags. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola