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In a show of community service and environmental responsibility, two Lions Clubs under Region 10, District 404B2 Nigeria Osun Classic Lions Club and Osun Esteem Lions Club teamed up to carry out an impactful sanitation outreach at Igbona Market in Osogbo.
Speaking at the event on Saturday, Lion Kazim Akofe Lasisi, NLCF, the Region 10 Chairperson for Osun axis, emphasized the importance of maintaining a clean environment, especially during the July service month focused on environmental action.
“Today, two of the seven clubs under my supervision have collaborated to clean Igbona Market. On arrival, it was evident that the environment was extremely dirty. But our members swung into action, packed the refuse, and handed it over to the waste disposal vehicle,” he said.
The clubs also distributed sanitation tools including brooms, parkers, and wastebaskets to the traders, while sensitizing them on proper hygiene practices.
“Cleanliness is key to preventing diseases in society. The government cannot do everything; the responsibility lies on the people to keep their environment clean. Traders must take ownership of their market’s hygiene.” Lion Lasisi further noted.
He added that the clubs would deliberate on the requests made by the market community and plan a physical project from them, promising tangible actions in the nearest future.
Lion Hajia Toyin Adesoye, the Specialty Coordinator for District 404B2 and Membership Chairperson for Osun Classic Lions Club, said the clubs chose Igbona Market after a needs assessment showed that traders dump refuse indiscriminately, and also lack toilets.
“We are looking into building public toilets here and installing CCTV cameras to enhance security and identify those responsible for improper waste disposal,”
“This year’s environmental activity is beyond just cleaning. It is about sustainability and dignity.” She stated.
Emphasizing the necessity of community involvement in maintaining cleanliness.
“Governments cannot do everything,” she stated, urging market traders to take responsibility for their surroundings. “It is essential that they keep the environment clean to avoid diseases.”
Also speaking, Lion Kayode David Sunday, NLCF, and First Vice President of Osun Esteem Lions Club, said the clubs came with plans but discovered deeper community needs upon arrival.
“They requested toilets, CCTV for security due to repeated shop vandalization, and financial empowerment for market women. We will escalate these needs to the zonal and international headquarters,” he explained.
Highlighting the necessity of empowerment for market women, many of whom seek financial assistance to enhance their businesses.
Market leaders expressed their gratitude and support for the Lions’ initiatives. Chief Muideen Ajao, Otun Babaloja of Igbona, representing the Babaloja General, commended the Lions Clubs.
“We are truly excited. Thank you for promising to attend to our needs. I urge traders to make good use of all you’ve provided and discussed.” Chief Muideen said.
In a similar tone, Mrs. Okunoye Temitope, Secretary of Igbona Market, praised the gesture:
“The market is visibly clean today. We commend the Lions for the sanitation materials and education. Traders must maintain this hygiene and heed the advice given.”
