By Nwamulunamma Ogbunka
As part of activities for the commissioning of an upgraded digital library, the Abuja Mega Lions Club has inducted the FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, and the Director of the FCT Education Resource Centre, ERC, Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, as Automatic Lions Members. The recognition was in appreciation of their exceptional support, cooperation, and commitment to advancing humanitarian and educational development initiatives within the Federal Capital Territory.
The special recognition took place during the commissioning of the newly upgraded Digital Library at the FCT City Library of the Education Resource Centre. The landmark project was executed by the Abuja Mega Lions Club in collaboration with the FCT-ERC.
Speaking at the ceremony, the representative of the District Governor, Pastor Ezekiel Umoh, explained that the honour bestowed on the two education administrators was in appreciation of their prompt and proactive response. He said they granted the club access to execute the project without delays.
According to him, the approval process for the digital library project and its commissioning received unprecedented attention from both the FCT Education Secretariat and the Education Resource Centre. He noted that bureaucratic bottlenecks were bypassed to ensure smooth delivery.
In his words: “The request for this commissioning and intervention was approved without delay, despite the bureaucratic procedures often associated with engagements between government institutions and private organizations. Their responsiveness demonstrated commitment to partnership and development, making it possible for this project to be delivered successfully and on schedule.”
He commended the leadership of the FCT Education Secretariat and Education Resource Centre for their proactive engagement throughout the implementation. He added that the induction of Dr. Hayyo and Dr. Abdulrahim into the Lions family was a symbolic gesture of appreciation for their unwavering support and dedication to educational advancement.
He further emphasized that the Abuja Mega Lions Club remains committed to impacting various sectors, particularly education, through strategic humanitarian interventions. “Government cannot do it all, hence as a humanitarian organization, we recognize the need to partner with government institutions to complement their efforts and bring meaningful interventions to communities,” he said.
The District Governor highlighted several projects undertaken by the club over the years that have significantly benefited educational institutions and communities. He described the Abuja Mega Lions Club as a humanitarian organization driven by positive initiatives aimed at making a lasting difference locally and globally.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of Abuja Mega Lions Club, Dr. Charles Bassey, disclosed that the club adopted the theme “Service Beyond Today” for the 2025/2026 Lions service year. According to him, the theme challenges members to embrace humanitarian approaches that prioritize sustainability and long-term impact, ensuring projects continue to serve communities long after they are gone.
Dr. Bassey explained that the philosophy informed the club’s decision to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment before embarking on the digital library project. He said the intervention was intended to expand opportunities for learning and knowledge acquisition while creating a platform where ideas can be transformed into action. In their acceptance speeches, Dr. Hayyo and Dr. Abdulrahim expressed appreciation and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote education, community development, and human welfare.
