In the ever-evolving story of Epe’s progress, few names shine as brightly as Professor Basirat Oladipupo-Folarin, the first female to attain the rank of full Professor from Epe Division. But beyond her academic laurels, her heart beats for something far more enduring: community service and the empowerment of women and the girl-child.
At the grand finale of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Epe Division Professional Women Association (EPWA) in Lagos, Professor Oladipupo-Folarin took the audience on a nostalgic and stirring journey through the early days of the association; one that began not in the boardroom, but in a spirit of sisterhood and purpose.
“I was invited by Mrs. Alade Raji,” she recalled with warmth, her face lighting up at the memory. “As a pioneer member, I was glad to see all the beautiful ladies I hadn’t seen in the last 20 to 30 years. Since I hadn’t joined any social club, EPWA became an avenue for daughters of Epe to come together and bond.”
It was more than just a reunion. It was, as she put it, “a chance to reflect on how rough growing up was and to see the greatness we’ve all attained and give back to Epe.”
From those humble beginnings, EPWA became a movement. “We didn’t relent,” she said with conviction. “All we did was ensure we were committed to bringing our resources together to give back to Epe and it was fun, we were enjoying it.”
The Professor’s storytelling painted a picture of the group’s early days, a blend of cohesion and commitment that set the tone for the decade-long impact that followed. She fondly credited Mrs. Funke Moore, one of the association’s co-founders, for her generosity. “I want to thank Mrs. Funke Moore, who gave us her office at LTV 8 when she was still at Radio Lagos/Eko FM. She accommodated us, and we were always looking forward to attending the meetings in her office. Luckily, she later became the General Manager. It was all fun,” she reminisced.
But beyond the laughter and shared memories, their mission was clear: impact over indulgence. “At every meeting,” she said, “the only thing we were concerned about was our commitment to put our resources together and come to Epe.”
Their first intervention was both symbolic and significant, the Epe General Hospital. “We donated medical supplies and equipment,” she recalled. “This was achieved by tasking all members to donate medical items in addition to the funds we were able to contribute. People were so glad to see us.”
That single act of giving set off a ripple effect that reached far beyond Epe town. “We moved from there to Ibeju-Lekki, Agbowa, and Eredo with our resources,” she recounted. “We continued networking and expanding. We called others to join us in spreading the change but we clarified that we aren’t a social club established to buy expensive Aso-Ebi for parties. We are here to give back to Epe Division.”
Her words drew smiles from the audience, particularly women like hers, who have turned personal success into collective service. “We’ve been able to reach the nooks and crannies of Epe Division,” she said proudly. “And the good thing is that all our beautiful women are professionals in their various fields.”
That professional excellence, she added, comes with a moral responsibility; to mentor and uplift others. “It has become a tradition in our various places of residence to adopt one person to mentor and train. Many of us have sponsored graduates. We also ensure that individually and collectively, we support the vulnerable.”
For Professor Oladipupo-Folarin, the vision of EPWA is not rooted in today, it is futuristic. “We’ve inducted ambassadors,” she said. “We intend to be like other big clubs such as Epe Club and Epe Ogunmodede Club that have existed for decades before we were born. The passion in us is for us to see a better Epe.”
Her final appeal was heartfelt and inclusive; a rallying call for unity and participation. “We implore everyone to cooperate with us,” she urged. “I encourage those who know well-to-do personalities to appeal to them to join us.”
Ten years on, what began as a small gathering of women reconnecting over shared memories has evolved into a structured force for change; a movement that mirrors Epe’s new identity as a hub of education, innovation, and female leadership.
And at its core stands Professor Basirat Oladipupo-Folarin, a scholar with the mind of an intellectual and the heart of a mother; proving that the true measure of greatness lies not in how high one rises, but in how far one reaches back to lift others.
