“I join Lions Club to give back to the society”- Lion Otunba Olukayode Ige,
Lion Otunba Olukayode Ige is the club president of Ado- Ekiti Central Lions Club in Ekiti State, Nigeria. He is an epitome of humility who believes in humanitarian service. Brandmatters Magazine had an interview with him recently. Excerpts.
What caught your fancy into joining the Lions International?
My Purpose of Joining Lions Clubs International is simply because it is
a Humanitarian organization, which focuses on helping the poor and the needy. It’s a way of giving back to the society through the various service impact that the Lions carry out every month.
How long have you been in the association?
I Joined the association in 2016 and since then, I have been very active and no regret joining the association. My club is Ado Ekiti Central Lions Club, District 404B2 Nigeria and I am the current President.
The motto for the association is ‘We Serve’, tell us what does service to Humanity means to you?
Service to Humanity is a way of life in all totality. As a humanitarian you will always give support to both human and community in any form, be it physical or monetary help. In so doing, one is gradually building the support in mental safety.
Could you tell us how far your service Year has been as the Club President of Ado Ekiti Central Lions Club?
My service years as a President 2022/2033 has been wonderful. Both local and International due paid in full. Also, many Service Activities, which includes but
not limited to Diabetes campaign, Free eyes glasses and free screening of cervical in local government. Another upcoming project is installation of Solar energy at a community Health centre.
What has been your driving force behind the selfless service to Humanity?
My driving force is a personal Will to continuously touching the lives of the people around me. In summary meeting the needs of the less fortunate around me.
What is the Club Core Project?
Provisions of Solar energy at the Community Health Centre in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Why did you choose the Provision and Installation of Solar Energy as a Core Project?
We discovered that there is need for the Solar Energy to be in place, so to support and power the Lab and also to preserve drugs in the pharmacy of the hospital due to total black out in the community for the past 3 years. So, it is a need assessment project and it will go a long way to assist the community.
As a Club President what are the Challenges you encounter in discharging your duties?
Time is one of my challenges because of the nature of my Job but with the help of other officers we are doing pretty good.
What are the leadership lessons you’ve garnered during the course of your presidency that you will inject into your personal profession etc?
As a leader you need to tolerate a lot of things and also ready to shoulder most of the responsibilities unless the club will not stand.
What management styles get the best results out of you?
I don’t wait for anybody before I do what is necessary for the club, meaning I take the lead whenever the need arises.
Has there been a time you feel like given up or regret taking the position as the Club President?
No, I have never felt like given up or regret taking up the presidency position. This leadership in a way shaped me and also better me to be a great manager because leadership in Lions club is all about managing people.
Give three adjectives that describe you best.?
Easy going and always ready to assist whenever it’s required. I am also a listening leader that always ready to make changes.
Who introduced you to Lions Club?
A Lion friend introduced me. Since then, I haven’t looked back but tried putting my all to the service of humanitarian. Lions club is a way of life
What is your opinion on Mentorship?
Mentorship in Lionism has to do with willingness and follow up. I am always ready anytime to serve the needy and the poor in our communities thereby impacting the world.
You joined since 2016, how has the journey been, and what other positions have you held before now?
Held several positions include and not limited to (1) 3rd Vice President (2) 2nd Vice (3) President. (4) Tail twister. (5) Director (6) Secretary, e.t.c.
What’s your Philosophy of Life?
Whatever you sow you shall reap it. Also being your brother’s keeper. And giving back to the society that made you.
What’s your advice to women generally in balancing their Profession, Career and Home front?
Every woman should learn how to be submissive to her husband and ensure her priority is the Household, irrespective of the position she occupies in office places. A woman who builds her home-front will automatically do well in the public or private sector she finds herself.
