By Emma Una

CALABAR- THERE was fanfare and celebration at the weekend when the Calabar Canaan City Lions Club carried out the investiture of a delectable banker, Mrs Felicita Ifeyinwa Opata to pilot it’s affairs for the next one year.

Mrs Opata who assumed office as the 40th President of the club assured members of her commitment to the ideals and principles of the club and her determination to maintain the enviable standard of the club in the next one year.

Striking the bell as the 40th president of the club admist a loud ovation from members and guests, Mrs Opata said her vision for the 2022 service year is to bring to the fore the essence of selfless service to humanity and place the lions club as a Frontline in impactful service delivery within the community and around the district

“For over forty years, Calabar lions Club has been a pacesetter in upholding the ethics and ideals of the lions club International by taking an active interest in the welfare of our community through our global causes of Diabetes, Childhood cancer, vision, relieving hunger and environment. More than ever before, we are commiitted to engaging in activities that would promote change and improve the welfare of members of our community”

On the E-library which was built in 2020 by the preceding leadership of the club, she said it will be furnished with all the necessary facilities to make it functional within the year.

“In 2020, the club commenced the construction of an E- library at the Cross River State Library Complex in Calabar . Our aim this year is to furnish and equip the E-library with forty computers, sixteen desktop tables, with multi system installation, sixty four plastic chairs, and a server to make the E-library serve the purpose for which it was established”

She said the club has held meetings with officials of the Ministry of Education Calabar for the purpose of entering into an MoU to ensure sustainability of the library.

Mr Jide Belo, District Governor 404AZ who conducted the investiture of the new president said Mrs Opata has been a member of the lions clubsl beginning from her days in the University and is fully conversant with the tradition and practices of Lions Club therefore she is fully equipped with what it takes to pilot the affairs of Canaan City Lions Club successfully for the next one year.

“Though young, she is intelligent, committed and a highly reliable team player and on that score, we trust in her ability to run a successful lions club government in the next one year”

Mrs Opata is married with four children, all boys.