Akere Unveils Transparent Agenda, Launches N250m Fundraising As Pioneer Lions District Governor

The Pioneer District Governor of Lions Clubs International District 404B6, Lion Oluomo Sunday Akere, PMJF, NLCF, has pledged to lead with transparency, accountability and purposeful service, unveiling an ambitious humanitarian agenda alongside a N250 million fundraising campaign to drive community development projects across the newly created district.

Akere made the pledge during his Public Presentation and N250 Million Fundraising held in Osogbo, where he formally assumed office as the first District Governor of District 404B6.

The colourful ceremony attracted Lions members from across the country, traditional rulers, government officials, development partners, captains of industry and other dignitaries, who pledged support towards the district’s humanitarian programmes.

In his inaugural address, Akere described his emergence as the pioneer district governor as both a privilege and a responsibility, noting that the creation of District 404B6 offers a rare opportunity to build a district founded on integrity, transparency, accountability and impactful service.

Reflecting on his journey in Lionism, Akere said he joined the Osun New Era Lions Club in July 2014 and had served in several strategic leadership positions, including Club President, Zone Chairperson, Region Chairperson, District Convention Chairperson and Membership Director.

According to him, his years of service saw him facilitate the induction of more than 25 new members and contribute to the chartering of two new Lions clubs.

He outlined his administration’s priorities to include expanding humanitarian interventions in line with the global causes of Lions Clubs International, particularly in the areas of vision care, childhood cancer, diabetes awareness, environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, hunger relief, disaster response and mental health advocacy.

Akere also pledged to strengthen membership growth through the Mission 1.5 initiative, promote leadership development, improve communication among clubs, ensure compulsory registration of members on the Lions Portal and increase support for the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and the Nigeria Lions Club Foundation (NLCF).

Assuring members of an open-door administration, he promised to foster stronger partnerships with governments, development agencies, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to enhance humanitarian service delivery.

“Our district will be guided by transparency, accountability and purposeful service. We are not just building an institution; we are laying a solid foundation that will endure for generations,” Akere said.

He added that the N250 million fundraising initiative was aimed at mobilising resources to improve lives, restore hope and deliver sustainable humanitarian interventions across communities within the district.

Delivering the keynote address, the Managing Director of the South West Development Commission (SWDC), Dr. Charles Akinola, described Akere as a visionary, dependable and humble leader entrusted with the responsibility of shaping the identity of the newly established district.

Akinola stressed that sustainable development requires collaboration among governments, the private sector, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations and educational institutions.

He noted that organisations such as Lions Clubs International complement government efforts by providing humanitarian support to vulnerable communities.

“Today’s fundraising is more than an appeal for funds; it is an investment in people, healthier communities and hope for a better future,” he said.

The SWDC boss urged the new district governor to lead with integrity, compassion and vision while building future leaders and strengthening partnerships capable of addressing societal challenges.

Earlier, the Immediate Past District Governor of District 404B2, Lion Oluwakemi Eribake, PMJF, NLCF, formally handed over leadership after the successful completion of the 2025/2026 Lions Service Year.

Eribake described the bifurcation of District 404B2 into Districts 404B5 and 404B6 as one of the defining achievements of her administration, saying the development would enable the organisation to reach more communities and deepen its humanitarian impact.

She also highlighted achievements recorded during her tenure, including membership expansion, the chartering of new clubs, strengthened humanitarian interventions, increased support for the Lions Clubs International Foundation and the establishment of the Lions Skill Development Centre.

While appreciating Lions members, partners and supporters for their unwavering commitment, she urged them to extend the same cooperation to the new leadership.

The event climaxed with the launch of the N250 million fundraising campaign, as guests made generous pledges to support humanitarian projects, health interventions, youth empowerment programmes and community development initiatives across District 404B6.

Goodwill messages from Lions leaders and distinguished guests also underscored the significance of the inauguration, describing the creation of District 404B6 as a historic milestone that would further strengthen humanitarian service and expand the organisation’s impact across the South-West and Nigeria as a whole.