In the serene town of Epe, where tradition meets transformation, a quiet revolution has been unfolding for a decade; led not by politicians or monarchs, but by a band of determined women who call themselves the Epe Division Professional Women Association (EPWA).
At the center of this movement stands Mrs. Adekemi Adedeji, a woman whose poise belies her power. On the day EPWA celebrated its 10th anniversary grand finale last month, her words resonated not merely as a speech, but as a reflection of a remarkable journey, one that turned passion into policy, and purpose into a legacy.
“EPWA was envisioned by women who believed that service to humanity is not just charity, it is duty,” she declared, with a tone filled with conviction. Beside her were the co-visionaries who once dreamed with her: Mrs. Funke Moore, Mrs. Olushola Alade Raji, and Prof. Basirat Oladipupo-Folarin. Together, under the mentorship of Barrister Olayinka Oladunjoye, Dr. Onayiga, and Justice Adeyemi, they built what has now become a symbol of empowerment and integrity in Epe Division, Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
EPWA, which began as a fellowship of 4 women has blossomed into a convergence of 66 strong women. They include professionals, mothers and entrepreneurs bound by a single mission: to uplift their community, especially the girl-child and women. A decade later, that mission has blossomed into a legacy of structure, discipline, and impactful service.
Mrs. Adedeji, speaking with the calm authority of a leader who has weathered many storms, praised the women for their commitment, resilience, and strict adherence to EPWA’s guiding principles. “We may be strict,” she said with a knowing smile, “but pardon us. The strict financial control, internal audits, and adherence to annual dues have strengthened this association. The funds entrusted to us must always serve the purpose they were given for.”
That statement drew nods of admiration. Transparency, she revealed, is not a slogan at EPWA, it is a culture. In a rare show of personal integrity, she disclosed that she, as the Convener and BOT Chairman, does not sign cheques. “It’s not about control,” she explained, “it’s about trust. The structure must be stronger than any one individual.”
Her leadership philosophy is simple: build systems, not empires. And that system has worked. Over ten years, EPWA has witnessed seamless transitions between presidents and executive members, a rarity among women-based associations where ego often overshadows vision.
But Mrs. Adedeji is not resting on past achievements. Her gaze is firmly fixed on the future. She spoke passionately about EPWA’s next frontier; training young girls in Information Technology, robotics, and leadership skills. “We want our girls to compete, to innovate, to lead,” she said, her voice carrying both urgency and hope.
Her appeal extended beyond the hall. “To our donors, to every son and daughter of Epe Division,” she urged, “this is your legacy too. Join us in building a world where every girl has a voice and every woman has a seat at the table.”
In a moment of humility that melted the hall, Mrs. Adedeji acknowledged the men behind the mission; the husbands of EPWA members who have supported their wives’ sacrifices for community service. “They’ve been our silent strength,” she said warmly. “They’ve stood by us when we left home responsibilities to fulfill EPWA’s vision.”
True to its ethical core, EPWA maintains global best practices, never spending beyond 10 percent of donations on administrative costs. It was a decision that, according to her, shaped even the modest tone of the anniversary celebration. “We cannot celebrate extravagantly with funds meant for impact,” she said, embodying the discipline that defines her leadership.
As the event drew to a close, one could sense that EPWA’s story is still being written. The women, now more than ever, stand as torchbearers of progress in Lagos, a modern sisterhood of Amazons who have turned empathy into enterprise and service into an enduring standard.
Through Mrs. Adekemi Adedeji’s steady hands and unflinching principles, the Epe Division has found not just a leader but a legacy. She and her fellow Amazons remind us that when women rise with vision and discipline, entire communities rise with them and history bows to their courage.
