Lions Club Highlights Decline in Public Funding for Community Development

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Abuja Mega Lions Club, District 404A2 of Lions International, has drawn attention to the increasing dependence on community groups and non-profit organisations to provide social services as public funding for community development continues to decline nationwide.

The observation was made in Abuja a the weekend, during the club’s 5th anniversary and the investiture of Dr Charles Bassey, as president for the 2025/2026 Lions year.

Dr. Bassey said the trend underscores the need for stronger collaboration between government, private institutions, and non-governmental organisations to address service delivery gaps in education, health, and social welfare.

“Community-based organisations are increasingly filling the gaps left by inadequate public funding. Sustaining these interventions requires coordinated efforts and long-term planning,” he stated.

He explained that under his leadership, the club would prioritise projects that contribute to lasting social impact, such as education and literacy initiatives, and infrastructure improvements within local communities, hence the ₦50 million fundraising execrise for humanitarian projects.

During the event, members discussed the importance of partnerships and resource mobilisation to support ongoing humanitarian projects, including the digitisation and renovation of the City Library in Abuja.

Participants at the gathering included community stakeholders and representatives of Lions International.

They emphasised that consistent government support remains essential to complement the efforts of voluntary groups working to improve community welfare. ‎