[COVID-19] EPWA: Giving Hopes And Solace To Forlorn Minds In Moments Of Utter Despair

.”No greater deed can ever be done than that which is done for another sake’; this poignant and profound quote from the quintessential American lyrist, poet, song writer and Country music queen, Dolly Parton, will better capture the essence of this report.

It’s often said that life is not about how much you’re able to acquire by manner of material things and the position you’re able to attain, neither will you be considered to have run a beautiful race on earth if your wealth and position are not used to better mankind, if they are not used to advance the cause of humanity and if they do not impact people, especially those around you, positively.

The world as it is now is at its bleakest in modern history, one made possible by a virulent infection called COVID-19. This disease has had a devastating ripple effect on the whole world, thousands have been killed while others are on the verge of death. It has created serious economic downturn in countries around the world leading to loss of jobs and depletion of savings as people dip into their reserve for financial buffer as they strive to stay sane and safe amid lockdown.

It is this dismal realization of the times we are in that spurred EPWA, a formidable, women-inclined, non governmental organization to rise to the occasion — to give solace and succour to those who are forlorn of hopes, to those who have been bludgeoned by despair and adversity.

Also read: Over 250 Women In Epe Division To Benefit From EPWA ₦5000 Cash Palliatives

EPWA provides an umbrella for professional women who are indigenes of Epe Division in Lagos State. Part of what makes the organisation outstanding is that it clearly embodies the spirit of altruism and service to the community given its antecedents.

The Organisation may not be so preoccupied by the affluent, but what it lacks in the aspect of financial war chest so to say, it gains in a rare class of membership – individuals committed to the common course that brings them together.- the course is to leave a mark, even at a personal sacrifice. To this extent, those who occupy rare and privileged positions have not let their high standings mar the group goals, but have learnt to accommodate all others driven by the same welfarist and humanist passions.

Truly, the spirit of altruism and selflessness has been the hallmark of this organisation.

No wonder in their brief period of existence, the organisation has been a yardstick with which to measure other organisations. It is become the metaphor for excellence and benevolence

On Saturday, May 16th, 2020, Epe Professional Women Association EPWA, gifted cash palliatives to 250 less privileged women across Epe division.

The event which took place at the Epe Local government Secretariat, Ita-Marun was by dignitaries and notable sons and daughters of Epe from all walks of life.

Speaking while addressing beneficiaries, the President who also doubles as the First Female Professor in Epe division, Prof. Olusola Oladipupo, stated categorically that the association is apolitical.

The astute scholar also briefed the gathering about the essence of the association, the achievements so far, challenges, and the need to organize the event.

According to her, this noble association was founded by Daughters of Epe ancestry in September 2015 as a non-political organization.

Our members, 56 in total, are all graduates with a minimum of OND. The objective of coming together as an indivisible entity is to give back to our people in the division covering Epe central, Eredo, Agbowa, Ejinrin, and Ibeju and Lekki.

“Our association embarks on up to four programs in a calendar year, some of which include, health campaigns, career talks, and counselling for students. In 2016, this noble association donated various health materials to Hospitals and Primary Health Centers across the division.

“Asides that, we mentor young girls, adopt pregnant teenagers and integrate them back into the society”.

“The challenges we have are inevitable just like every other legally registered association. We are financially incapacitated despite the fact that we levy our members. Most of us are Civil servants and we wish to do more by expanding via collaboration with Lagos state government and NGOs around to touch lives together”.

“We chose to carry out this event during post-lock down for petty traders, artisans, fish farmers, and other less privileged ones for the reason being that, most of these women must have exhausted their savings during the lock-down.

“This is an opportunity for them to revive their petty trade. As we all know that women are at the receiving end of the COVID-19 crises, we are certain that whatever we have given here today will surely touch various homes, ” she said.

The erudite academician stated further that Agbowa, Ejirin, Ibeju, Lekki all had 40 beneficiaries each while Epe central had 70 slots in the sharing formula.

She also used the medium to appeal to women across the division to get their children educated.

She admonished those who have pregnant teenagers to encourage their wards to study further as such is not the end of life.

The event progressed with various cultural songs, eulogizing members of EPWA while distributing the cash palliative of Five thousand naira only by elegant members of the association to the delight of beneficiaries despite the scorching sun.

The program also witnessed strict maintenance of the physical distancing practice which was strictly monitored by gallant officers of the Lagos Neighbourhood Security Corps.

Beneficiaries were mandated to leave the venue immediately after getting their cash gifts.

Mrs Olusola Alade-Raji, one of the founding members of the association spoke with Eko Hot Blog Correspondent while sharing her views on issues bothering on how the association raised funds for the project.

“This project has been in the pipeline and we know it is imperative for us as daughters of this ancient town to give back to our people.

Members of this reputable association made financial contributions and it is pertinent to also state that some well-meaning individuals from this town gave us their unflinching financial support.

“I advise our teeming youths to get higher education and desist from begging for money from politicians.

“This association pushed for Part-Time or Sandwich degree program at LASU Epe campus and I am happy the program is doing fine.

“We are presently speaking with the Dean of Post-Graduate Studies at LASU Ojo campus for the kick-off of Masters degree programs but the COVID-19 crises are slowing things down, ” she said.

Earlier, Wife of the Balogun-General of Epe land, Mrs Olajumoke Rasak (KLM), who is also a founding member of the association corroborated what was said by other members.

In her remarks, she noted that helping the people was necessary and that people should strictly adhere to preventive measures to fight the deadly virus.

“We have decided to help our people, the government can not do it alone. I will advise that the government should distribute palliatives towards the right channel.

“Practicing physical distancing and preventive measures is paramount for us to defeat coronavirus, ” she said.

Some of the beneficiaries, in their ecstatic mood, also found it worthy to speak with our correspondent.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Lateefat Ogunkoya, a self-employed entrepreneur from Odo-Egiri, Eredo LCDA said,

” I am happy to benefit from EPWA palliatives and I pray to God almighty to repay them in million folds.

On the COVID-19 crises, Mrs Ogunkoya said that she has never seen anything like this in her life.

“It is sad, we can only obey the government’s preventive measures and double up our hygiene to fight the virus because we need back our freedom.

“Schools, churches, mosques, hotels, bars are needed back”, she said.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Omolola Eshinlokun from Ibeju-Lekki gave kudos to the organizers of the event, EPWA.

She expressed elation at being chosen to get the cash gift.

She also harped on obedience to government directives as enshrined in the two holy books, The Quran and the Holy Bible.

“I am here to benefit from the cash palliatives distributed by EPWA. I so much appreciate what I have gotten here no matter how little.

“Lagos and Nigeria shall be free from COVID-19 by God’s grace.

“The two Holy books admonish us to obey our government and adhere to all preventive measures, this is for our own good, ” she said.

Other beneficiaries include; Mrs Shakiratu Giwa, Mrs Risikat Edu, Mrs Yahya Bisola, and Alhaja Ebola.