Lions Clubs International has inaugurated Lagos Autism Community Lions Club, the first in Nigeria.

The event, which doubled as Charter Presentation and Fundraising, took place at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Petrolina Amos was installed charter president. Amos said her leadership would focus on building a supportive environment for autistic children and their families.

“I will create a community where children with autism are loved, valued, and empowered,” she said. “I want them to know their worth, unlock potential, and thrive despite the challenges.”

She paid tribute to her family for their sacrifices and thanked the Montreal Autism Community Lions Club in Canada for standing by the vision of establishing a similar platform in Nigeria.

Chair of the Charter Presentation and Fundraising Committee, Emeka Obi, said: “Today is a milestone not just for Lagos or Nigeria, but for Africa. This club signals an era of inclusion, awareness, and support for individuals living with autism.” He urged members and guests to sustain the club’s programmes.

Governor of District 404B4, Adebowale Afolayan, congratulated Amos and urged her to serve with compassion.

“The club is born from vision and resilience. Your installation is a call to champion the cause of the autistic community and amplify the strength of the neurodiverse,” he said, promsing support.

Experts estimate that at least 600,000 children live with autism spectrum disorder in Nigeria, though the figure could be higher due to under-reporting and poor diagnosis. (The Nation)