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For over a decade, EPWA has remained committed to its vision of empowering women, nurturing young girls, supporting vulnerable groups, and contributing meaningfully to the development of communities across Epe Division. What began in 2015 as a gathering of visionary professional women has evolved into one of the most influential women-led organizations in the region.
Founded by a group of accomplished women who shared a common desire to create positive change, EPWA held its inaugural meeting on May 16, 2015. The association was subsequently registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2016, providing a formal structure for its growing humanitarian and developmental activities.
The foundation of EPWA was laid by distinguished women including its convener, Mrs. Olwakemi Adedeji Garbadeen, alongside notable pioneers such as Mrs. Funke Moore, Justice Olayinka Adeyemi, and Mrs. Kehinde Olushola Alade-Raji. Their vision was simple yet profound: to create a platform through which professional women could contribute their knowledge, resources, and influence toward uplifting others.
Over the years, EPWA has translated this vision into impactful action.
One of the association’s most remarkable areas of intervention has been healthcare. Through donations of medical equipment and supplies to healthcare facilities including Epe General Hospital and Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital, EPWA has strengthened healthcare delivery within local communities. The association has also organized medical outreaches in underserved areas such as Agbowa-Ikosi and Lekki, ensuring that quality healthcare services reach vulnerable populations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many families struggled under economic hardship and uncertainty, EPWA rose to the occasion by distributing palliatives and relief materials to vulnerable households across Epe Division. This timely intervention provided support and hope during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.
Education remains another pillar of EPWA’s mission. Recognizing that education is a powerful tool for social transformation, the association has consistently promoted girl-child education through scholarships, textbook donations, mentorship programmes, and academic support initiatives.
Among its landmark achievements is the donation of textbooks to eleven libraries across Epe Division and the establishment of a ₦10 million endowment fund at Lagos State University (LASU) aimed at supporting outstanding female students from the division. This initiative has opened doors for many young women seeking quality education and brighter futures.
EPWA’s commitment to youth development extends beyond academics. Through annual Children’s Day celebrations, educational competitions, and leadership programmes, the association has helped instill values of excellence, discipline, and leadership among pupils and students.
In 2025, the association organized programmes for public primary school pupils across Epe Division, educating them on the dangers of drug abuse while promoting positive values and academic excellence.
Mentorship and counseling have also become defining aspects of EPWA’s activities. By connecting young women and students with accomplished professionals, the association provides guidance, career advice, emotional support, and opportunities for personal development.
Beyond education and mentorship, EPWA has consistently invested in economic empowerment. Through various empowerment initiatives, the association has provided financial support to women, widows, entrepreneurs, and vulnerable individuals.
At its recent Awards and Recognition for Excellence Ceremony, EPWA empowered 20 beneficiaries from Epe, Eredo, Ikosi-Ejinrin, Ibeju-Lekki, and Lekki with ₦100,000 each to support and expand their businesses.
According to Hon. Kenny Kadri Edu, one of the association’s leaders, EPWA’s empowerment programmes are funded through members’ contributions and support from philanthropists who share the organization’s vision of transforming lives.
She revealed that during the association’s 10th anniversary celebration, fifty beneficiaries received ₦200,000 each in business support grants, further demonstrating EPWA’s commitment to economic development and self-reliance.
The association’s efforts have not gone unnoticed.
At the Awards and Recognition for Excellence Ceremony held in Eredo LCDA, distinguished personalities and traditional rulers commended EPWA for its unwavering commitment to community development.
The Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, praised the association after learning about its extensive interventions in education, healthcare, empowerment, and humanitarian service.
According to the monarch, EPWA has become a reliable partner in community development whose programmes continue to positively impact lives across Epe Division.
Similarly, award recipients and dignitaries including Mama Doja Otedola, representatives of former First Lady Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, and representatives of the wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State all acknowledged the association’s contributions and encouraged members to continue their noble mission.
As EPWA celebrates more than ten years of service, its leadership remains focused on the future.
Among its upcoming projects are plans to establish a state-of-the-art Skill Acquisition and Training Centre in Epe Division, expand scholarship opportunities for indigent students, and introduce more sustainable empowerment programmes targeted at women and vulnerable young people.
These ambitions reflect an organization that is not content with past achievements but remains committed to greater impact.
Under the leadership of its President, Mrs. Folakemi Oluyemi, EPWA continues to champion the ideals of excellence, compassion, empowerment, and service.
Its story is one of vision, dedication, and collective action. It is the story of women who chose not merely to succeed personally but to create opportunities for others to succeed as well.
As Epe Division continues its journey toward greater development and prosperity, EPWA remains a shining example of what can be achieved when professional women unite behind a common purpose.
Indeed, for EPWA, empowering women is not just a mission—it is a legacy.
