In the heart of Lagos where Epe Division magnetically sits, a powerful movement that celebrates women who dared to dream differently has been unfolding for a decade.
At the recently concluded grand finale of the 10th anniversary of the Epe Division Professional Women Association (EPWA), two of its remarkable trailblazers; Alhaja Olushola Alade-Raji, co-founder, and Mrs. Opeoluwa Balogun, former president; took turns to relive their shared journey of courage, conviction, and community service.
For Alhaja Alade-Raji, it was a trip down memory lane, back to the humble beginnings of an organization that would later become a model of purpose-driven womanhood. “We were four in number, but the establishment of this association was envisioned by Mrs. Kemi Adedeji,” she recalled, her tone laced with nostalgia and pride.
In those early days, EPWA was simply a gathering of women; no structure, no financial commitment, just passion. But like many great visions, it needed discipline to survive. “At inception, it was a free-for-all gathering without monetary commitments, but later, the association began to have issues,” she confessed. In a decisive moment that changed the association’s destiny, she proposed monthly contributions, a move initially met with skepticism. “Though the then President was unsure, I encouraged her to be optimistic,” she said. “Not too long after, commitment grew, and the association began to expand.”
Today, that single decision stands as a turning point in EPWA’s history; the point where a sisterhood of purpose evolved into an institution of impact.
Beaming with satisfaction, Alhaja Raji celebrated the women who have kept the flame burning. “I thank all our members for their commitment and dedication. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved despite the fact that we’re women,” she said, her words cutting through the age-old bias that has long underestimated women’s capacity for unity and leadership. “There’s always a negative notion about gatherings of women that nothing serious will come out of it. But despite that stereotype, we’ve made remarkable progress.”
If Alhaja Raji’s story was one of structure and survival, Mrs. Opeoluwa Balogun’s tale was one of service and expansion; the narrative of a woman who found purpose in giving back. “I’m a Lagos-based indigene of Epe, from Eredo LCDA,” she began with pride. “When I heard about what the association had been doing for our women and girls, I was elated and decided to join them to give back to society.”
For her, EPWA was more than a professional network; it was a calling, a platform to transform lives, especially for the girl-child. “We have caring and passionate members,” she said, “and empowering the women helps them raise their children properly.”
Under her leadership, EPWA deepened its philanthropic roots. “We’ve given grants, equipment, and financial support to women to boost their businesses. During the pandemic, we supported vulnerable women with cash to ease the economic hardship,” she recounted. “The spirit of EPWA is philanthropic. Whenever there’s a clarion call to give or donate, members are always eager to do so much.”
That generosity of spirit, she explained, has become the secret of the association’s survival. “Everybody may be struggling,” she admitted, “but we ensure that we reach out to the who-is-who in Epe to get funds. That’s how we keep going.”
Beyond immediate relief, Mrs. Balogun and her team began thinking long-term; about sustainability, empowerment, and legacy. “We realized not all young people are interested in white-collar jobs,” she explained. “That’s why we secured land to build a Vocational Center. If our girls are empowered vocationally, we believe they can do well in life.”
Her words underscored a simple yet profound truth: the future of Epe’s development lies not in handouts, but in empowerment. “We celebrate our girls every Children’s Day,” she added. “We mentor them, bring in experts to speak, and build their resilience across Epe Division.”
As the applause filled the hall, it became clear that the stories of these women; their sacrifices, innovations, and unwavering faith in service are the heartbeat of EPWA. They are the unsung architects of progress in a world that once doubted their strength.
Ten years on, EPWA is no longer just an association; it is a movement, a living proof that when women lead with purpose, they don’t just change their communities; they redefine what is possible.
And in the words of Alhaja Olushola Alade Raji, echoing the spirit of all EPWA Amazons: “Despite the stereotype, we have made remarkable progress.”
