By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR 

In a landmark event aimed at fostering economic empowerment and skill development, Lions Club International District 404A2 Nigeria officially inaugurated and handed over a state-of-the-art Skills Acquisition Facility to the University of Calabar,( UNICAL).

The ceremony, presided over by the District Governor, Lion Sir Maurice Ibok, highlighted the club’s commitment to sustainable service and human capacity development.  

His words :” This facility reflects our shared vision of service—one that goes beyond charity and seeks to empower, uplift, and transform lives.

 “We believe true service lies in enabling individuals to reach their full potential, and we are proud that this project will serve as a hub of learning, innovation, and economic empowerment.”  

“The project underscores Lions Club International’s global humanitarian efforts, reinforcing its motto of “We Serve.” Ibo said.

The District Governor called for sustained collaboration, urging the university to maintain and expand the facility for greater impact.  

On her part , the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Florence Banku Obi expressed profound gratitude, assuring that the facility would be maximized to expand the institution’s entrepreneurship programs.  

“The Lions have come with blessings, not to endanger lives but to serve humanity,” the Vice Chancellor stated.

“Our existing Entrepreneurship Development Centre has limited space, and this new facility will significantly enhance our capacity to train not just students, but also women in the military, police, navy, and youths from surrounding communities.”  

She further revealed that the university would immediately put the facility to use, with full-scale operations expected to commence as early as next week.  

As the event concluded, the resounding message was clear: partnerships like these are vital in driving national development through education and skill acquisition.