Open Defecation: Lions Club To Build Toilets In Rural Communities

The Lions Clubs International (LCI), Osun chapter through the New Era Lions Club, District 404 B2 says it would build public toilets across the state to curb open defecation and outbreak of water borne diseases.

The President of the New Era Lions Club, District 404 B2 a branch of the LCI, Prof. Olubukola Oyawoye made this know to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of her investiture ceremony as the 6th president of the club in Osogbo.

Oyawoye (who is also the first female president of club) said the club offers humanitarian services and the discovery that some communities and people in the state still practice open defecation was why the club is embarking on the project of constructing public toilets.

Oyawoye, the former Commissioner for Environment in Osun, said the club would also provide scholarship to indigent students in the state as well as construct bus stops.

“We will be constructing toilets in Ilare-Ijesha in Obokun and some other communities in Osun that don’t have toilets and are practising open defecation.

“We have started the construction of cancer diagnosis centre in Osogbo and we intend to finish and equip it before the end of the year.

“We will also be empowering about 50 handicap persons who have learn one trade or craft so they can be independent and be entrepreneurs.” she said

Earlier in his valedictory message, Mr Ayodeji Osundiran, the outgoing president of the club said he was greatful to God for enabling him to successful and peacefully steering the ship of the club, congratulating the incoming president.

He reeled out the achievements recorded by the club under his leadership pledging to support the incoming administration to surpass his achievements, urging members not to relent in serving the club.

The newly sworn in first Vice President of the club, Mr Bob Taiwo , in his address, described the club as a well grounded humanitarian club with so many outstanding feats in community services, youth empowerment, environmental services, care for the less privileged among others.

Taiwo said the club came into existence six years ago and had been going stronger saying the club had contributed to communities and state at large.

He said hand pump boreholes was established in Ila orangun in 2015, motorised borehole water supply in Igbajo 2018, Opthalmological surgeries/supplies of eye glasses in Ipetumodu, 2018.

He said this was the first time the Osun New Era Lions Club would be having a female president adding that in the next two years, God willing, another female president would emerge (NAN)