Mary Nnah
Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele of Ogun State on Saturday pledged the full support of the Ogun State Government for the new District Governor of Lions Club International, District 404B4, Lion Patience Okosi Ngene, and confirmed that Abeokuta will host the 2027 Multiple District Convention.
Speaking at the Fundraising & Public Presentation of DG Ngene, the Deputy Governor, who is also a Lion, described the new DG as a tested leader with “experience, energy, and commitment” to drive humanitarian service across the district.
“I first met her about 13 to 14 years ago when I was District Cabinet Secretary II. She was a Region Chair at the time. We worked very well together. She chartered a new club and supported the redistricting of District 404B as it was then,” she recalled to applause.
She added: “And I can see that the passion is still in her so that 13, 14 years down the line, she is today being presented to the Lions of Nigeria as a District Governor in Lions Club 404B4.
“As we all know, Lionism is ultimately about service and making a difference in the lives of others. And I’m confident that Lion Patience will bring her experience, her energy, and her commitment to this district as she leads it for the next year.”
In a major announcement, the Deputy Governor told the gathering of Lions, royal fathers, and dignitaries that Ogun is ready to host Nigeria’s Lions in 2027.
“I’m reliably informed that the Lions are coming to Abeokuta, and I can assure you that we will roll out the red carpet to welcome you to Abeokuta next year as you come for the multi-district convention,” she declared.
“I look forward to working with the local organising committee to make sure that we have a memorable time in Abeokuta. And around that time, I will also be winding down as Deputy Governor, so you’ll be part of my send-off. It will be a very nice send-off from the Lions. You have come to Abeokuta to take me back home after eight years of service.”
“May Almighty Allah preserve us so that we are all in Abeokuta next year to celebrate another multiple-district convention and have a wonderful time with our brothers and sisters from across the country.”
The deputy governor also commended outgoing District Governor Lion Adebowale Afolayan for steering the new district through its formative year.
“I want to congratulate the immediate District Governor, Lion Adebowale Afolayan, for a job well done. This is a new district which they are steering, and I’m sure the challenges of a new district were there for them. Nevertheless, he has done his best to take it higher than he got it, and I’m sure that the same will be said about Lion Patience next year.”
Responding, the newly presented District Governor, Lion Patience Okosi Ngene, said her year will be anchored on the theme “Passion for Service and Serving without Limits.”
“I accept this responsibility with total commitment, utmost respect, and the spirit of teamwork… Let us continue to be the hand that lifts others, the heart that gives without hesitation, and the voice that inspires positive change,” she said.
She also made a direct appeal for donations to fund projects across Ogun, Lagos, Oyo and Ota.
“I appeal to you, our guests, to donate generously and meaningfully to this great cause, no matter how small. After all, Mother Teresa said, if you cannot feed a hundred people, then just feed one.”
Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Dau Kenny Tekenah, CEO of Dykes Insurance Brokers and represented by John Ethagbe, said the event reflects the Lions’ motto “We Serve” and pledged that District 404B4 “will make this occasion a memorable one.
With the gavel officially struck at 5 pm by DG Ngene to mark the start of her tenure, the new administration begins with the backing of the Ogun State Government and a promise from the Deputy Governor that Abeokuta will be ready to receive Lions from across the country in 2027.