The DG – Lion Mary Onu – Lions Clubs District 404 A3

PMJF, NLCF.

The District Governor

Lion Mary Onu

Lion Onu holds a 1st Degree in Mathematics with Computer science , a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (UK), Entrepreneurial Management, EDC, Lagos (Nigeria), a Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Leadership skills, Harvard (USA).

Lion Mary is a member of Lekki Admiratly Lions Club and is the First vice DG for D404A3, Nigeria. She is a certified guiding lion, a past District 404A1 GLT Coordinator, a past District Cabinet Secretary, past District Public Relations and Information Chairperson, past Zone Chairperson and past Club President among other District, Committee and club positions.

Lion Mary is also graduate of the Advanced Lions Leadership Institute (ALLI Congo 2015) and the Faculty Development Institute (FDI Togo 2018) and is approved on the Lions Certified Instructor Program (LCIP 2020, re certified 2022). She is a seasoned trainer and regularly facilitates trainings both locally and internationally.

Lion Onu is a recipient of several awards, amongst them, District best Zone Chairperson, International award for Excellent Zone Chairperson and also the prestigious International Presidents award. She is a progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

She is the proprietress of St Andrew’s Creche and Nursery, Lekki, Lagos State and she speaks English and some French.

Lion Mary Onu is a lady of the Knights of St Johns International and she is married with children.

Career Progression

Education
➢ Tree Tops Primary School, Lusaka, Zambia
➢ University of Port Harcourt Secondary School
➢ Federal University of Technology, Minna (1996): Mathematics and Computer Science
➢ Institute De Langue Francais, Paris, France (2001): Beginners French Certificate
➢ Universite De Pau, South France (2003): French Diploma
➢ University Of Aberdeen, UK (2006): Post Graduate Degree in Education
➢ Fate Foundation, Lagos, Nigeria (2014): Aspiring Entrepreneurs Program (AEP)
➢ The Coaching Academy, UK (2015): Certificate in Life Coaching
➢ Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos (2017):
Entrepreneurial Management
➢ Harvard University, Massachusetts, USA (2019): Certificate in Essential Management
Work Experience
➢ Mall Manager, The Mall, Port Harcourt, Nigeria: 1999-2001
➢ Mathematics Teacher, Hazlehead School, Aberdeen, Scotland: 2007 – 2011
➢ Proprietress St Andrew’s Creche, Nursery and Afterschool, Lekki, Nigeria: 2012 Till Date.
Volunteering
✓ Uloma of Amanchi, Ishiagu 2013
✓ Corona Schools Ikoyi PTA, vice chairperson 2014-16
✓ Vice President World bank sponsored WomenX (12), EDC, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos.
✓ Knighted in the Catholic order of St Johns International December 2017
✓ Treasurer, Association if Zambians in Nigeria 2016-date
✓ Secretary, Enterprise Development Centre Cooperative 2022 till date

This year, in Lions District 404A3 Nigeria, we seek to reignite our core motto, “We Serve,” which has inspired our theme for the Lions Year:

“Passion for Service.”

District Governor Mary Onu’s logo is a crown with FIVE POINTS, symbolizing the five global causes of Lions Clubs International—our guiding pillars of service worldwide:

•Vision – Fighting preventable blindness and expanding access to eye care through education, free screenings, and vision correction services.

•Diabetes – Raising awareness, promoting prevention, and supporting health screenings and lifestyle education for better diabetes management.

•Childhood Cancer – Providing support, hope, and care for children battling cancer and their families.

•Hunger relief – Combating food insecurity through meal programs, food bank support, and youth-focused sustainable agricultural initiatives.

•Environment – Leading efforts in tree planting, recycling, community clean-ups, and sustainable environmental practices.

The crown is further adorned with THREE STONES, representing the three global focus areas of the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF):

•Youth – Empowering young people through education, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities.

•Disaster Relief – Providing immediate and long-term assistance to communities affected by disasters, ensuring resilience and recovery.

•Humanitarian Efforts – Advancing initiatives that enhance quality of life by providing basic necessities, clean water, healthcare, and mental health support.

At the heart of the logo lies the Nigerian flag, a profound reminder that charity begins at home. While our vision is global, we remain dedicated to uplifting our local communities, tackling critical challenges, and driving meaningful change.

By serving with passion, compassion, and unity, we trust that Almighty God will crown our collective efforts with success. Let’s serve with renewed energy and unwavering dedication!

My dear Lion Leaders, fellow Lions, Leos, and friends, I invite all Lions, Leos, and friends of District 404A3 to join me on this journey as we reaffirm Our PASSION FOR SERVICE.

Together, let’s Lead to Serve and Serve to Lead, making a lasting impact in the lives of those who need us most. As Wayne Muller so beautifully said: “As we serve others, we are working on ourselves; every act, every word, every gesture of genuine compassion naturally nourishes our own hearts as well.” So today, I urge us all: Let us strengthen our bonds, deepen our impact, and reignite our passion for service. Together, we will make the 2025/2026 Lions year impactful, inspiring, and unforgettable. Thank you for your trust and support.

The DIstict Governor - 2025 - 2026

Lion Mary Onu

PMJF, NLCF

The DIstict Governor - 2025 - 2026

Passion For Service

MY ACCEPTANCE:

My dear Lion Leaders, fellow Lions, Leos, and friends,

In 2012, when I joined this great Association, I did so (or I was) fully convinced that it was the best platform to serve the less privileged—and that conviction remains steadfast today. Through my journey in the Lions Club, I have witnessed firsthand the power of service, the strength of community, and the transformative impact of leadership through action.

Today, I stand before you, deeply honored and inspired, ready to take on the mantle of leadership as District Governor of Lions Clubs International District 404A3 Nigeria for the 2025/2026 Lions year.

Distinguished Lions and friends, being part of this incredible movement, is a privilege—one that comes with great responsibility. I wholeheartedly accept this call to serve and pledge to lead with passion, integrity, and unwavering dedication to our shared mission.

District Conventions Attended
✓404A1 District convention, Ijebu Ode, Feb 2014
✓ 404A1 District convention, Asaba January 2015
✓ 404A1 District convention, Warri January 2017
✓ 404A1 District convention, Ikorodu January 2018
✓ 404A1 District convention, Owo January 2019
✓ 404A1 District convention, Ijebu Ode. January 2022
✓ 404 A1 & A2 Joint Convention, Asaba, January 2023
Multiple District Conventions Attended
✓ 29th Multiple District Convention, Oshogbo, May 2013
✓ 30th MD 404 Convention, Uyo, May 2014
✓ 31st MD 404 Convention, Ibadan, April 2015
✓ 32nd MD 404 Convention, Asaba, May 2016
✓ 33rd MD 404 Convention, Ilorin, May 2017
✓ 34th MD 404 Convention, Calabar, May 2018
✓ 35th MD 404 Convention, Abeokuta, May 2019
✓ 36th MD 404 Convention, Warri, May 2022
All Africa Fora Attended
✓ All Africa Lions Conference, Tunisia 2014, ✓Nominated to Represent District 404A1 in The
International Women’s Symposium
✓ All Africa Conference, Brazzaville, Congo, February 2015
✓ All Africa Conference, Lagos, Nigeria, February 2016
✓ All Africa Conference, LOME, Togo, February 2018
✓ All Africa Conference, Rabat Morocco, September 2018
✓ 1st All Africa Forum, Lusaka Zambia, September 2019
✓ 2nd All Africa Forum, Tanzania, Virtual, September 2021
✓ 3rd All Africa Forum, Hamamet, Tunisia, October 2022
ISAAME Fora Attended
✓ 42nd ISAAME forum, Kathmandu, Nepal December 2013
✓ 43rd ISAAME forum, Mauritius, December 2014
✓ 44th ISAAME Forum, Ahmedabad, India 2015
✓ 46th ISAAME forum, Dubai, UAE December 2018
International Conventions Attended
✓ 96th International convention, Hamburg, Germany June 2013 (club delegate)
✓ 97th international convention, Toronto, Canada July 2014, (club delegate)
✓ 98th International convention, Honolulu, Hawaii, June 2015, (club delegate)
✓ 99th International convention, Fukuoka, Japan, June 2016, (club delegate)
✓ 100th International convention, Chicago USA, June 2017, (club delegate)
✓ 101th International convention, Las Vegas, USA, June 2018, (club delegate)
✓ 102nd International Convention, Milan Italy. June 2019
✓ 103rd International Convention Montreal-online June 2021
✓ 104th International Convention Montreal, Canada June 2022
Lions Day with the United Nations Attended:
✓ LDUN MD404, Lagos, March 2014
✓ 37th LDUN New York, March 2015
✓ LDUN MD404, Lagos, Nigeria, March 2015
✓ LDUN MD404, Lagos, Nigeria, March 2016
✓ LDUN MD404, Lagos, Nigeria, March 2018
✓ LDUN MD404, Lagos, Nigeria, March 2019
✓ LDUN MD404, Lagos, Nigeria, March 2020
✓ LDUN MD404, Lagos, Nigeria, March 2022