By Simeon OSAJIE
Members of the Ikeja Model Virtual Lions Club on October 24, 2025, journeyed from across Nigeria to Sabongida-Ora in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State for a free medical outreach described as a “gift of health, love and service.”
The outreach, which featured free diabetes screening and health counselling, diabetes awareness, blood pressure and blood sugar screening and mental health awareness, was held in honour of Mama Etiunu Patience Irenoa, beloved mother of Lion Evelyn Izioma, a member of the club in Ora, Edo State.
Declaring the outreach open, the leader and Club Treasurer of Ikeja Model Virtual Lions Club, Lion Olore Imokhe NLCF, PMJF, said the intervention was in line with Lions International focal areas of service, which include diabetes, vision, hunger, environment and childhood cancer, with emphasis on health and humanitarian service.
According to Lion Imokhe, the club chose to honour Mama Etiunu with service to humanity because Lions believe that the best way to celebrate life is to preserve life.
The outreach, held in Eme-Ora, attracted people from across Ora Clan, including family, friends and well-wishers of the Irenoa family, as well as traditional men and women groups who trooped out to benefit from the free medical intervention. Awareness flyers on diabetes prevention, healthy living and mental health were also distributed by members of the club.
Beneficiaries were screened for blood pressure, blood sugar and diabetes, while others received one-on-one health counselling on diet, lifestyle and early signs of diabetes and hypertension. Members of the Lions Club were also screened.
Speaking after the outreach, Lion Imokhe, on behalf of the Club President, Lion Grace Quick, thanked members of the club for their commitment to the ideals of Lions International and for travelling from different parts of the country to serve.
She also expressed appreciation to the Irenoa family for the warm reception, noting that the warnth was well embraced by members
Members were later hosted in Lion Olore Imokhe’s grand and sprawling country home in a serene environment in Otuo for two days. Members noted that the hospitality was top notch and looked forward to yet another visit and a longer stay in the home.
As part of activities marking the celebration, a birthday bash was held in honour of Mama Etiunu Patience Irenoa on her 75th birthday celebration on October 25.
Guests were treated to choice meals and were presented with a variety of souvenirs and gift items by the excited family.
The event climaxed with a Thanksgiving service which was also well attended by members of the club.
Beneficiaries of the free medical screening, many of them elderly men and women from Ora communities, expressed appreciation to the Lions for bringing healthcare to their doorstep, noting that many of them had not checked their blood pressure and sugar level in years due to distance and cost.
They prayed for the club and called for more of such interventions in rural communities.
Lions International is the world’s largest service club organization with over 1.4 million members in over 200 countries, committed to serving communities and meeting humanitarian needs.
The Ikeja Model Virtual Lions Club outreach in Ora is one of many service projects undertaken by the club this Lions service year to impact communities across Nigeria.