The Epe Division Professional Women Association (EPWA) has continued its 10th-anniversary celebrations with a series of impactful community programmes including a fitness walk, an annual girls’ summit, an empowerment session, and the groundbreaking of a new skill acquisition centre in Epe.
EpeInsights learnt that the events, held across Epe and Ibeju-Lekki, drew commendations from local government leaders for the association’s decade-long record of service and empowerment.
The Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government and Chairman of the Conference 57 of Lagos State, Hon. (Engr.) Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, praised EPWA’s unwavering commitment to uplifting women and communities across Epe Division.
“Your empowerment programmes have been impactful and selfless. I commend your dedication to community service and pray you continue this work for the betterment of our people,” he said.
Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government, Hon. Princess (Dr.) Surah Olayemi Animashaun, described members of EPWA as “dedicated professionals who genuinely care about the well-being of others, especially the girl-child.”
She encouraged parents to invest in the education of their daughters, noting that the girl-child must be seen as “a great asset to society and a future leader.”
“I urge our girls to emulate EPWA members, who are excelling in their professions and contributing to society. Education and empowerment are keys to success and responsible leadership,” she added.
The celebration began with a colourful Walk for Fitness through the streets of Epe, led by Hon. Animashaun, where participants sensitized residents on EPWA’s initiatives promoting health, empowerment, and gender inclusion.
At the Annual Girls’ Summit and Empowerment Programme held at the Ibeju-Lekki Secretariat, Mrs. Bolatito Ajibode, Managing Director/CEO of Ginger Up Nigeria Limited and Deputy Director at the Lekki Free Trade Zone Development Company, delivered a keynote address themed “Dare to Fly: Inspiring Leadership, Igniting Growth.”
“Leadership is not about position but about impact. Every girl here has the power to influence and create change,” she told participants.
EPWA President, Mrs. Folake Oluyemi Johnson, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to inclusiveness and empowerment, stressing that their mission extends beyond financial aid.
“Empowerment is not just about money — it’s about building confidence, knowledge, and purpose,” she said.
As part of the anniversary activities, 20 beneficiaries — comprising women and youths — each received ₦200,000 in business or education support grants.
Highlighting the association’s long-term vision, the event concluded with the foundation laying ceremony of the EPWA Skill Acquisition Centre, located beside Anglican Primary School, near Jubilee Chalet, Epe.
The centre is expected to serve as a hub for training women and youths in vocational and entrepreneurial skills to promote self-reliance and economic growth.
The professional women later paid a courtesy visit to HRH Olori Aribike Adewale, widow of the late Olu Epe of Epe Kingdom, to share their achievements and plans for future community projects.
Olori Adewale commended the association for their unity and devotion to service.
“It gladdens my heart to see professional women in Epe working together for progress. You are keeping the spirit of unity and development alive,” she said.
As EPWA celebrates a decade of impact, the association reaffirmed its mission to expand opportunities for women and youths across Epe Division — building stronger, healthier, and more empowered communities.
