By Chioma Vivian James
As part of activities marking the commissioning of an upgraded Digital Library at the FCT City 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 in recognition of their outstanding support, cooperation, and commitment to advancing humanitarian and educational development initiatives in 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, a landmark project executed by the Abuja Mega Lions Club in collaboration with the FCT Education Resource Centre.
Speaking at the ceremony on behalf of the District Governor, Pastor Ezekiel Umoh said the honour was bestowed on the two education administrators in appreciation of their prompt and proactive support, which enabled the seamless execution of the project.
According to him, the approval process for the digital library intervention received exceptional attention and support from both the FCT Education Secretariat and the Education Resource Centre.
“The request for this intervention and commissioning was approved without delay despite the bureaucratic procedures often associated with engagements between government institutions and private organisations. Their responsiveness demonstrated a strong commitment to partnership and development, making it possible for this project to be delivered successfully and on schedule,” he stated.
He commended the leadership of the FCT Education Secretariat and the Education Resource Centre for their active involvement throughout the implementation process, noting 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.
Pastor Umoh further emphasized that the Abuja Mega Lions Club remains committed to impacting various sectors of society, particularly education, through strategic humanitarian interventions.
“Government cannot do it all. As a humanitarian organisation, we recognise the need to partner with government institutions to complement their efforts and deliver meaningful interventions that improve lives and strengthen communities,” he said.
The District Governor’s representative highlighted several impactful projects undertaken by the club over the years, describing Abuja Mega Lions Club as a humanitarian organisation driven by a passion for service and positive change at both local and global levels.
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 interventions that are sustainable and capable of creating long-term impact.
“‘Service Beyond Today’ is a call to embed design thinking into our humanitarian projects, ensuring that whatever we build continues to serve communities long after we are gone,” he said.
Dr. Bassey explained that this philosophy informed the club’s decision to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment before embarking on the digital library project.
He noted that the club identified an urgent need to establish a modern digital learning environment within a public institution in the Federal Capital Territory to promote literacy, research, innovation, and access to information in an increasingly technology-driven world.
“This intervention is designed to expand opportunities for learning and knowledge acquisition while creating a platform where ideas can be transformed into action. Education remains one of the most powerful tools for societal transformation, and we are proud to contribute to that mission,” he added.
In their separate acceptance speeches, Dr. Danlami Hayyo and Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim expressed profound appreciation to the Abuja Mega Lions Club for the recognition and for investing in educational development.
They described the club’s commitment to humanitarian service as exemplary and worthy of emulation.
The education officials particularly commended the club for its comprehensive intervention, which included the renovation and modernization of the Digital Library, installation of electrical infrastructure, sponsorship of a one-year internet subscription, and provision of bag shelves for library users.
According to them, the intervention will significantly improve the centre’s infrastructure while expanding opportunities for digital learning, research, innovation, and access to information for students, educators, and members of the public.
They assured the club of the proper maintenance and sustainability of the facilities.
“This project will have a lasting impact on learning and knowledge sharing within the Federal Capital Territory. It demonstrates what can be achieved when government institutions and responsible organisations work together toward a common goal,” they stated.
Both officials expressed delight at being inducted into the prestigious humanitarian organisation and pledged their continued support for initiatives that promote education, community development, and human welfare.
They also encouraged individuals and organisations to embrace the spirit of service exemplified by the Lions Club, noting that humanitarian efforts that bring hope, opportunities, and smiles to people remain invaluable to societal progress.
The commissioning of the upgraded Digital Library and the induction of the two education leaders further underscore the growing partnership between government institutions and humanitarian organisations in promoting sustainable educational development and empowering future generations through learning.