Mrs Dodo Esther,one of the less-privileged women in Ilaje-Bariga, a Lagos slum, had lived from hand to mouth for 28 years. She used to be a petty trader until she developed passion for midwifery which she learnt from her mother-in-law.
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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.
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Consequently, patronage for her services was low until recently.
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But as patronage increased, there was the challenge of funds to acquire a power generating set and needed medical equipment.
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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.
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At the event which took place around noon, each of the women received a loan of between N40,000 and N100,000.
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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.