The Chairman of SIFAX Group Chair, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, has bagged the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Award by the Lions Club International for his dedicated humanitarian services. The award presentation was done today at the SAHCO PLC Head Office in Lagos by Lion Anogwi Anyanwu, District Governor, 2022-2023, District 404 A1.
The Melvin Jones Fellowship (MJF) is the backbone of the Lions Club International Foundation. It is presented to those who donate US$1,000 to LCIF or to people who made such donations for others. It’s a tremendous contribution to humanity and the legacy of the founder of the club, Melvin Jones.
Afolabi sees giving as a divine mandate to pull people out of poverty through job creation and philanthropy. Asides from this, SIFAX Group is also involved in philanthropy and its key focus areas include education, health, youth and women empowerment.
According to him, “we provide support for public education and health institutions. We make donations to schools and hospitals. We donated a 1,000 capacity lecture theatre to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. We donated a brand-new bus to the medical students association of Obafemi Awolowo University. The foundation has offices in Lagos, Zaria, and Umuahia that provide support to the widows and less privileged. Many indigent students in their hundreds enjoy full scholarships from the foundation. Women are trained in various skills and then given grants to start their businesses.”
Last year, a total of 184 persons have enjoyed free dental and medical care at the Taiwo Afolabi Free Rural Dental Outreach which was held at the popular Dugbe market in Ibadan and another 165 persons at the Gbagi market. The beneficiaries included market men and women. The free medical care was organized by the University of Ibadan Association of Dental Students and sponsored by SIFAX Group.
Also, he supports the MO Rainbow Down Syndrome Foundation, Lagos; Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind, Oshodi, Lagos; Community Health Environmental Safety and Rescue Initiative; the Maritime Forum, University of Lagos; A Paste, A Brush, A Child Initiative amongst others.
He is a recipient of the Member of the Order of Niger (MON). He is also the Honorary Consul-General of the Republic of Djibouti in Nigeria. He is a member of the Institute of Directors Nigeria; Ikoyi Club 1938; IBB Golf Club, Abuja; the Building Committee of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry, etc.
The fellowship is the foundation’s highest honor and represents humanitarian qualities such as generosity, compassion, and concern for the less fortunate. Melvin Jones Fellows receive a lapel pin and a personalized wall plaque in honor of their commitment to helping others.
