By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
In a major boost to education, digital literacy and community development, the Abuja Mega Lions Club on Wednesday commissioned a state-of-the-art digital library at the FCT City Library in Abuja as its signature project for the 2025/2026 Lions Service Year.
The project, which includes the renovation and upgrade of the library, provision of computers and digital resources, installation of bookshelves, and sponsorship of a one-year internet subscription, was officially unveiled during a ceremony attended by education stakeholders, government officials, Lions Club members and invited guests.
Speaking at the Commissioning, President of Abuja Mega Lions Club for the 2025/2026 Lions Year, Lion Dr. Charles Bassey, said the initiative was inspired by his lifelong appreciation for libraries and the transformative role they play in education and personal development.
According to him, his childhood experiences in Calabar, where libraries served as a gateway to knowledge and global perspectives, motivated him to establish a digital learning hub that would be accessible to students, researchers, teachers and members of the public.
“A library is a space where people can learn and connect with different parts of the world.
When I became President of Abuja Mega Lions Club, I felt it was important to create a digital library where citizens can access knowledge, improve themselves and become more productive members of society,” he said.
Dr. Bassey revealed that the project was funded entirely through personal contributions from club members, friends and family, noting that no government funds were used in executing the initiative.
He described the digital library as a lasting legacy and a reflection of the club’s service theme, “Service Beyond Today,” aimed at delivering projects with enduring impact.
Reflecting on his one-year tenure, which concludes at the end of June, Dr. Bassey highlighted several achievements recorded by the club over the past 12 months, including environmental interventions, support for schools and persons with disabilities, healthcare outreaches, women empowerment programmes, feeding initiatives and the provision of protective equipment to public institutions.
“We wanted every project to leave a lasting impact. Through our various interventions, we have touched lives, supported communities and demonstrated that service organizations can complement government efforts in addressing societal challenges,” he stated.
He urged incoming leaders of the club to embrace inclusiveness and kindness, stressing that every member’s contribution matters.
“Respect every individual in the club and include them in decision-making because they have ideas that can change the world. And if you can be anything in the world, be kind,” he advised.
Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Bassey expressed gratitude to the management of the City Library, donors and supporters who contributed resources toward the successful completion of the project.
Quoting renowned author Sidney Sheldon, he noted that libraries remain powerful centres of imagination, innovation and learning.
“Libraries store the energy that fuels imagination. They open windows to the world and inspire us to explore, achieve and contribute to improving our quality of life,” he said.
Dr. Danlami Hayyo, Secretary for Education FCT, commended the Abuja Mega Lions Club for the initiative, describing the project as timely and essential in an era where access to digital learning resources has become increasingly important.
He expressed optimism that students, teachers, researchers and scholars across the Federal Capital Territory and beyond would benefit immensely from the facility.
“This is a very laudable achievement. We expect our students, teachers and researchers to make proper use of this digital library. Access to books and educational resources is becoming increasingly expensive, and this facility provides a practical solution,” he said.
Dr. Hayyo also stressed the need to revive the culture of reading among young people, lamenting the growing preference for social media and digital entertainment over academic reading.
“If you want to grow, you must read. If you want to become somebody, you must read. Our students need to return to books because reading remains the foundation of academic excellence and personal development,” he added.
The Education Secretary assured that the FCT Administration would work to ensure proper maintenance of the facility and promote awareness of its availability to schools and educational institutions across the territory.
He further noted that the intervention aligns with the Federal Government’s education and digital inclusion agenda while complementing ongoing investments in educational infrastructure within the FCT.
Also speaking, Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, Director of the FCT Education Resource Centre (FCT-ERC), described the digital library as more than a technology project.
According to her, the facility represents a gateway to knowledge, innovation, research and lifelong learning.
“This project aligns perfectly with the vision of the FCT Administration to build a modern, inclusive and technology-driven education system capable of meeting the demands of the 21st century,” she said.
Dr. Abdulrahim expressed appreciation to Abuja Mega Lions Club and all stakeholders whose contributions made the project possible, while pledging continued collaboration to maximize the benefits of the facility.
Meanwhile, Lion Dr. Linda Ene John, Chairperson of the Signature Project Committee, applauded the dedication of club members, donors and partners who supported the transformation of the facility.
She noted that the upgraded digital library would provide users with modern tools for research, learning and self-development.
“Today, this is no longer just a room with books. It is a modern digital learning hub where students, researchers and other users can study, grow and access the tools of the 21st century. We thank everyone who contributed through donations, expertise and advocacy,” she said.
The event also featured award presentations and the official induction of the Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, and the Director of the FCT Education Resource Centre, Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, in recognition of their support for educational development.
The commissioning ceremony marked another milestone in the Abuja Mega Lions Club’s commitment to humanitarian service, education advancement and community empowerment, reinforcing its vision of delivering projects that continue to impact lives beyond the present generation.
