Olajumoke Saliu, EWIP Lagos Chapter Co-Ordinator Tells CityPeople Her Plans

CAN WE MEET YOU?

I am Olajumoke Saliu, the Lagos State Chapter Coordinating for Evolving Women in Politics registered as Evolving Women in Progress and Community Development (EWIP)

CONGRATULATIONS ON BECOMING THE CHAPTER COORDINATOR. HOW AND WHEN DID YOU EMERGE?

Thank you very much. First, let me say that whatever you choose to do, do it well because the world is watching and everything has a reward or consequence as the case may be.

So, at the time, we were planning the launch of the EWIP national body and I volunteered to be a part of the team. I just always did my bit how best I knew and gave proper communication on feedback, within the agreed timelines.

Once we were off that cadre, I just got a call on the 18th of August 2022 by the National Vice President that I had been nominated to be the coordinator for the Lagos Chapter, owing to my drive & performance within the few months that we worked together, coupled with my brief foray into politics ‘by association’ and experience with running an NGO.

I was thereafter invited to an interview with the national executive body. Yes, I said interview but today the rest is history.

PLEASE TELL US ABOUT EWIP

EWIP is a non-governmental organization that started out as Evolving Women in Politics, created to encourage women's participation in politics & policy-making and educate women about their civic rights and duties.

However, upon registration as Evolving Women in Progress and Community Development (EWIP), it broadened our scope to include all that I said earlier and interventions such as – women empowerment activities, girl-child protection programs, and advocacy against indiscrimination and all forms of violence against women.

EARLIER YOU SAID YOU HAD A FORAY INTO POLITICS AND HAVE AN EXPERIENCE WITH RUNNING OF AN NGO, PLEASE SHARE THE HIGHLIGHTS?

Yes, I did, by association not as an aspirant. My husband served as an elected Local Government Chairman in the Epe division of Lagos. As the Chairperson and in support of my husband’s administration, I sought strategic external partnerships to deliver on various impactful welfare ventures for women, youths and children in the community. This drive birthed my NGO which was first named Chairperson’s Network for Community Empowerment (CHANCE), the umbrella through which the development solutions were delivered. Upon leaving office, it then became Charitable Network for Community Empowerment (CHANCE) with a wider reach to all Lagos environs.

BACK TO EWIP, WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE EWIP LAGOS CHAPTER?

We will be riding on the back of the registered name, which gives us a broader spectrum to deliver Impact, Service and Value. For instance, the recently concluded back-to-school scheme rounded up the activities of the first three

quarters of the year. It was a collaborative effort with other organizations that share our ideals and values.

We visited a school within the White Sand area of Ijora Badia, a typically disadvantaged Community, to give them school supplies like bags, books and writing materials.

Upcoming in the last quarter of the year would be our hygiene outreach to teenage girls; walk against indiscrimination and all forms of violence against women; Chapter launch & fundraising event and our year-end event.

These and many more developmental programs and projects will be continually embarked upon to truly depict our name – Politics, Progress & Community Development. This will definitely put EWIP on a national

and global pedestal.

IT’S A GREAT TASK. ARE YOU READY FOR THIS MISSION?

Lagos Chapter being a pioneering chapter is the largest and one that every other chapter looks up to. So I agree that it’s indeed a great mission and I’m glad to be chairing it. Women are powerful and with our numbers and strength, we make a formidable team of great builders. This I intend to harness, tapping into the many resources that exist within and outside of EWIP, for our collective good and that of the nation.

We are very ready, LAGOS can’t be a part of mediocrity.

LAGOS IS HOME TO ALL. I SUSPECT IT’S THE SAME IN EWIP. HOW DO YOU INTEND TO COORDINATE THIS PARTICULARLY WITH THE PECULIARITIES OF WOMEN?

Lagos State is known to be one that thrives on the diversity of its people. This will be no different within EWIP. The criteria to be an EWIP member is first to be a woman without reference to age, tribe, religion, or affiliations. We will uphold the spirit of togetherness, and unity in diversity and employ the strengths that lie therein. When we acknowledge our differences, only then can we appreciate better, the true meaning of teamwork and sportsmanship

WHAT ARE YOU MOST GRATEFUL FOR?

I am most grateful that I am a woman. As women, we create, we transform. Anything we touch always gets better. Therefore, being grateful for being a woman is innate. In addition, you will agree that a feeling of gratitude and fulfillment comes with helping others. The drive for impact and problem-targeted solutions as a people within our communities further enhances this.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

You’re welcome. I do appreciate the honour. Let me say in EWIP Parlance, EWIP! WE MOVE!

THE VISIT TO MODUPE COLE