By Etop Ekanem

In a demonstration of commitment to youth development and community service, the Lagos Golden Lions Club, Anthony Village, has commissioned a fully renovated hall at Anthony Village Senior High School.

The renovation is a Legacy Project of Lagos Golden Lions Club 2025/2026 Service Year. The project gulped about N32,000,000, according to the President of the club, Lion Foluso Bankole.

The commissioning ceremony drew notable Lion leaders and dignitaries, including Lions Clubs International, District Governor 404A-3, Lion Mary Onu; District International Convention chairperson, Lion Felicia Obilo; Parents Forum Chairman, Mrs. Rita Rewane Amuka; Dr. Olufunke Oyetola. Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Education District I; Vice Chairman, Kosofe Local Government council, Oluwole Sosanya; Director Schools Administration, Mr. Adegbemile, representing Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District 2, Maryland. Baale of Anthony Village, Chief Yusuf Ayoola Oseni; among others.

Speaking during the event, District Governor, Lion Mary Onu described the initiative as more than a structural upgrade..

According to her, “This is something I’m very passionate about. When I became the District Governor, this was the first thing I wanted to see. I wanted to see schools given halls, given the opportunity to excel and when this club came with the idea, I couldn’t be more overjoyed to support.”

She urged other Lions clubs around the area to look into the by embarking on other legacy projects in the school

She said:“We know that there is government, we know that government should be doing it but there are many pupils, so many schools; the resources are limited so as Lions, let us continue to step in and support where we can.”

Earlier in her welcome address, President of the club, Lion Foluso Bankole. said: “As Lions, we are guided by our global motto, ‘We serve.’ Service to humanity is not just what we do; it is who we are. And one of the most impactful ways to serve is by investing in education. When we create a conducive environment for learning, we are shaping leaders, empowering dreams and strengthening society.

“Anthony Village High School has a proud legacy of nurturing young minds. However, like many institutions, it faces infrastructural challenges that limit its full potential. The absence of a befitting school hall has made it difficult to host assemblies, academic activities, social events and development programmes that are essential to a well-rounded education. Today we are changing the narrative.”

Also speaking, Dr. Olufunke Oyetola. Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Education District I, expressed her gratitude to Lagos Golden Lions Club for their humanitarian service to the people of Nigeria.

According to her, “thank you for your foresight, thank you for your spirit of giving always.I know the

Lions Club, when it comes to humanitarian services, they are always at the front and its focus is mainly on education, healthcare, and welfare.

“In Lagos State, we leverage on public-private partnership. The government cannot do it alone. When you do your part, I do my part; we are all contributing to the future leaders of this great state. This is going to serve multiple purposes.

In her vote of thanks, the Principal of the school, Mrs Yekeen Mariam. expressed gratitude to the Lagos Golden Lions Club members for their generosity, vision and unwavering commitment to the advancement of education.

“This magnificent hall is not just a structure, it is a symbol of partnership, service and belief in the potential of our students. Your contribution will have a lasting impact on generations to come,” she noted.