Lion Anogwi Anyanwu: Inspiring Selflessness, Service in Nigeria

In a world where selflessness is a rare commodity, Lion Anogwi Anyanwu, the newly elected Multiple Council District Chairperson of Lions Club International in Nigeria, is on a mission to inspire a new generation of servant leaders to embrace the values of humanitarianism and community development. With a strong conviction that true fulfillment comes from serving others, he shares his vision for growing the Lions Club movement in Nigeria and making a meaningful impact in the lives of millions with Mary Nnah 

Congratulations on your new role sir. Can you tell us what inspired you to take up this leadership position as the Lions Club Multiple Council District Chairperson in Nigeria? 

I wasn’t inspired to take on this role; I was selected to serve. The governors expressed their desire for me to work alongside them, and now, here I am. As their servant leader, I am committed to serving them.

Nigeria has six districts, and during their training in Chicago at our head office, the district governors gathered to discuss the selection of the multiple council chairperson. They asked, “Where will the multiple council chairperson come from?” and decided that it would be from District 404A3, which is my district. They then inquired, “Among the qualified individuals in District 404A3, who would you prefer?” and chose me without consulting me.

Following this, we attended the multiple district convention, where they announced that I would be joining their district and serving them. And so, I am now serving them. I have assured them that I am their dedicated chief servant.

What specific goals and initiatives do you plan to implement in the districts during your term as Multiple Council District Chairperson? 

My goals for the multiple districts are to work with the district governors to achieve significant growth and expansion of our services. The Lions Club International has an ambition to move from 1.4 million to 1.5 million members, and I believe that in Nigeria, where we currently have 10,000 members, we should aim to increase our numbers to at least 13,000. My job is to work with the district governors to identify and invite individuals who share our passion for serving humanity to join us, so that we can render more services to those in need.

We have eight key areas of focus, including childhood cancer, diabetes, disaster relief, environment, humanitarian service, sight, hunger relief, and youth. These are the areas where we aim to make a positive impact in the lives of people. It’s important to note that while the Lions Club is an international organization, every Lions Club is community-based, serving the local community. So, we have clubs like Akowonjo Lions Club, Yaba Lions Club, Ikeja Lions Club, Owerri Lions Club, Abakiliki Lions Club, Lions Club of Abuja, and many others, each serving their respective communities in various ways.

My goal is to work with the district governors to grow our numbers significantly from the current 10,000, especially considering that Nigeria has a population of 250 million people. We need to increase our membership to be able to serve more people and make a greater impact in their lives. We also need to ensure that our projects have a tangible impact on people’s lives. For instance, many of our clubs and districts have undertaken cataract surgeries for people with vision problems, while some of our governors are working to establish food banks to provide regular food supplies to hungry people.

We need to continue serving our communities, but we require more people to join us in this effort. Every Lion is a leader, and we need to continue developing leadership skills in all our members. Additionally, we need to contribute to the Lions Club International Foundation, which is the worldwide foundation that raises money and provides grants to Lions clubs and districts to enable them to render services to humanity. The Lions Club has a proud history of making a difference in Nigeria, from eradicating Onchocerciasis and measles to establishing critical healthcare infrastructure like the Lion Isaac Olushola Dada Dialysis Centre, eye hospitals in Warri, General Hospitals in Oshogbo and Akure, and dialysis hospitals in Igando and Ogoja. We need to keep serving our communities, and we need more people to join us in this endeavour.

So what do you consider the biggest challenges facing the Lions Club in Nigeria and how do you intend to address them?

In my opinion, there are two significant challenges facing us. The first is the deteriorating economic condition, which continues to decline. As it worsens, people’s ability to have spare income to help others diminishes, making it a substantial challenge. However, I believe the second challenge is even more severe: the growing selfishness among humans, particularly in Africa. This is a major reason why the Lions Movement is not growing here.

I come from a village where Irish missionaries brought education, selflessly dedicating their lives to our community. Despite having no personal connection to us, they left their comfortable lives, endured hardships, and even sacrificed their lives to malaria and other challenges to help us. Yet, now that we are more comfortable, we are reluctant to even bend down to lift someone in need. This growing selfishness is a far bigger problem than the economic situation. These two challenges are the most pressing issues I see.

Do you have projects you intend to embark on or continue from your predecessors?

As the Multiple Council District Chairperson, I don’t have personal projects that I plan to pursue. In the past, my predecessors have initiated projects, such as the one at the University of Medical Sciences in Akure or the nationwide diabetes screening program. However, my approach is different. Instead of launching my projects, I will focus on supporting the initiatives of my governors. They have their projects, and I am committed to providing the necessary support to ensure their success.

What factors have contributed to the decline in membership numbers for Lions Clubs International in recent years?

The immediate cause of the decline in Lion’s Club membership is the sudden shock of the exchange rate problem, which has significantly increased economic challenges in the country over the past year. This has increased the amount required to be a Lion. According to Lions Club International policy, clubs that owe international dues for more than 120 days are cancelled. The sudden change in the economic situation has created a situation where several clubs, especially those in rural areas, were unable to meet their financial obligations and were subsequently cancelled.

To regroup and revitalise our clubs, we are seeking service-minded individuals who, despite the economic challenges, can still afford to pay their annual dues after meeting their basic needs. The Lion’s Club is a business club with a humanitarian focus, founded in 1917 by Melvin Jones, an insurance broker who transformed a businessmen’s club in Chicago into a humanitarian organisation.

Melvin Jones noticed that due to the effects of the First World War, many Americans were suffering, destitute, and hungry. He proposed to his business club that they turn their club into a humanitarian organisation that could raise money to support those in need while still enjoying their social activities. This led to the formation of Lions Club International in 1917 in Chicago, Illinois.

Today, we have approximately 1.4 million Lions spread across 200 countries and territories worldwide. The Lion’s Club is intended for individuals who are service-minded, willing to serve their society and environment with their time, treasure, and talent without expecting financial rewards. To grow to 1.5 million members, we need people who are service-minded. If you are service-minded, that is the first requirement. You can bring your time, treasure, and talent to make a positive impact.

Some clubs were cancelled due to non-payment of international dues, which is a requirement for Lion’s Club membership. You cannot be a Lion without paying your dues, as resources are needed to run the international club.

 It means that it’s a bit expensive, so to speak.

Well, expensive is relative. I’m sure there are more than 10,000 Nigerians that can spare more than 100,000.

What are the local dues you pay?

The $48 is international dues. Then the local dues differ from club to club. Some people pay $30,000. Some people pay $50,000 annually.

What economic advantages come with Lions Club membership?

Many people ask me, “What’s in it for me to be a Lion?” My response is always, “There’s nothing in it for you to be a Lion.” To be a Lion, you must be service-minded, willing to serve your community and the less privileged with your time, treasure, or talent. That’s the primary requirement. If you have a disposition to serve, then you’re qualified to be a Lion.

As the Bible says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and every other thing will be added unto you.” If you’re service-minded, auxiliary benefits will follow. However, if you join the Lion’s Club seeking benefits, you’re not qualified. You’re not joining the Lion’s Movement for personal gain but to serve your fellow man.

While nothing good comes for nothing, being a Lion offers opportunities like making friends, building networks with professionals from various fields, and potential business benefits. You’ll also have chances to travel and see the world while attending conventions and forums. These are ancillary benefits, not the primary reason for joining.

The first Lion’s Club in Nigeria, Lagos Doyen Lion’s Club, was formed in 1964 with only one Nigerian member, Akintola Williams. Since then, many notable Nigerians have been part of the Lion’s Club, including Ola Vincent, Architect Majekodunmi, Engineer Maduka, and Air Vice Marshal Anthony Okpere. Currently, we’re hosting our International Director, the first female black woman to hold the position since the organization’s inception in 1917.

In today’s selfish world, everyone asks, “What’s in it for me?” But I say, if you focus on what’s in it for others, benefits will come to you in unimaginable ways. As Zig Ziglar said, “If you can find a way to solve a problem for many others, all your own problems will be solved.” This mindset is essential for being a true Lion.

Being a Lion is not just about personal benefits; it’s about making a difference in the lives of others. It’s about serving with humility and compassion. If you’re willing to embrace this selfless approach, then you’re ready to be a Lion. Remember, the Lion’s Club is a business club with a humanitarian focus, founded on the principles of service and community engagement.

By joining the Lion’s Club, you’ll become part of a global network of like-minded individuals committed to creating positive change. You’ll have opportunities to develop leadership skills, build lasting relationships, and contribute to meaningful projects that impact lives. You’ll be part of a legacy that has been making a difference for over a century.

So, if you’re ready to serve and make a difference, join us as a Lion. Together, we can achieve greatness and create a better world for all. The rewards may not be immediate, but the sense of fulfilment and purpose will be invaluable.