Esther became independent about three years ago and has been operating as a registered midwife in the area. Her challenges include lack of fund, apart from the fact that most Ilaje women usually prefer herbal to orthodox medical treatment. Consequently, patronage for her services was low until recently.
But as patronage increased, there was the challenge of funds to acquire a power generating set and needed medical equipment.
Happily succour came her way last weekend as she was among 100 less-privileged women who were empowered by two non-governmental organisations, Bayo Fatusin Foundation and New Canterbury Consult Limited. The organisations also donated public toilets and bathrooms, borehole, public taps and a generating set to Isale-Akoka community who had lacked these social amenities for years.
At the event which took place around noon, each of the women received a loan of between N40,000 and N100,000.
In a chat with Vanguard Metro, VM, some of the beneficiaries, Mrs Kehinde Goroth, Adeola Zeblom and Elizabeth Samuel, said the philanthropic gesture came as a surprise to them. "Many people, especially politicians, have made empty promises in this community; as a result, we initially found it difficult to believe Bayo Fatusin and New Canterbury when they informed us about their offer. We thank God for making this a reality," they said.
Esther, who received the sum of N100,000, said she had assisted in the delivery of about 70 babies within a space of one year. "The money will be used to purchase a generating set, a baby weighing scale and Sphinx, among others," she said.
Making the donations, Bayo Fatusin said the Foundation, which came into existence about 10 years ago, is not for political gains but to demonstrate Christ's love, especially to the less-privileged. "I am happy that today's exercise is taking place in Lagos State. I am an Ilaje man but not a Lagosian, this is part of my contribution to put smiles on the faces of the less-privileged ones," he said.
Also, the Chief Executive Officer of New Canterbury, Mrs Tokunbo Ogunsanya, said the organisation was founded with a passion to collaborate with well-meaning Nigerians to promote the potentials of the less-privileged ones through quality service.