By Chidiebere Onyemaizu
“A new day will come, and when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
Lolo Nneka Egbe, a licensed Customs clearing agent and business icon is not a widow but drawing from personal life experience and adversities she had suffered early in life, she understands the trauma, pains, trials and economic inadequacies some vulnerable women, especially widows face in the society.
A native of Nise in Awka South local government area of Anambra state, Lolo Egbe was born neither with silver nor with bronze spoon in her mouth but through abiding faith in God, dint of hardwork, dexterity and perseverance she was to transitioned from lack and deprivation to a successful businesswoman who sits stop chain of businesses spanning the fashion, beauty, trading, education, maritine etc sectors.
Dedicating her life to giving widows, orphans and the downtrodden a new lease of life through her Foundation is something Lolo Egbe is not ready to compromise. Of course, no woman voluntarily chooses to be a widow yet the indignities of widowhood are the lot of many widows today.
However, Lolo Egbe, through her Foundation, First Aid Foundation Against Emotional And Domestic Abuse, FAFAEDA is not only giving them reasons to smile again , she has drastically lessen the emotional emptiness and searing pangs of lack and abandonment that are the grim fate of most widows. There are presently about 100 widows routinely receiving care and attention of FAFAEDA. The widows, apparently to shake off grief and sorrow of losing their dear husbands, refer to themselves as “Jesus’ wives” rather than widows.
At the Foundation’s recent widows empowerment outreach programme held in Festac Town, Lagos which also served as Lolo Egbe’s birthday, 18 widows were economically empowered with the presentation of N500,000 to each of them. Besides, the widows also received food item palliatives.
It was indeed scenes of octane emotions as the recipients who were not expecting the cash presentation and the food items decorated the venue with tears of joy, describing Lolo Egbe as God sent. Many of them rolled violently on the floor amid tears and effusive praises for Egbe.
President of the widows group( Wives of Jesus) , Tina- Mary Obiageli who was also one of the N500,000 beneficiaries, said Lolo Egbe is a rare gem, a woman with the heart of gold who acts like a husband. Her words: “Lolo Egbe is like a husband to us. She does for us what our late husbands would have being doing for us. We call her “husband” of the widows. She pays our house rents, hospital Bill’s, our children’s school fees and never let us starve.
She is a great mother, a gift to humanity. Apart from widows, Lolo’s heart also beats for the downtrodden, Persons Living With Disabilities(PLWDs), orphans and prisoners. She is God sent”.
Another beneficiary who identified herself as Mrs Edeh, was emotion struck as she tried to speak glowingly of Lolo Egbe. With tears cascading her cheeks, Mrs Ede managed to say: “I can’t believe this. May God continue to bless our mother, our Angel. She is too much”
One of the biggest supporters of FAFAEDA and donor, Mrs Bernadine Eloka, lauded Lolo Egbe’s philanthropic drive, noting that she has so far provided her shoulders for over 100 widows and vulnerable persons to lean on. Mrs Eloka who is the Vice Chairman of Clarion Shipping West African Ltd described Lolo Egbe as “an Amazon, a strong woman, unassuming and humble daughter of God who goes about doing good quietly”
A guest and councillor representing ward K, Amuwo Odofin local government area, Hon. Daniel Osagie Egobi commended Lolo Egbe’s selfless philanthropist tendencies, describing her as a good woman. Said Hon. Egobi: “It is nice to encourage resourceful women. Lolo Nneka Egbe is a good woman with an excellent character.Women like Lolo that give back to the society should be encouraged, so, I will link her up with the Chairman of Amuwo Odofin local government area, Hon. Prince Lanre Sanusi to explore possible areas of collaboration”
Speaking earlier, Lolo Egbe pledged an unwavering commitment to helping the vulnerable and putting smiles on their faces. The FAFAEDA, she maintained will remain focused and accountable.
According to her, “our Foundation is dedicated to supporting widows, inmates, and orphans, vulnerable groups who often face emotional and domestic abuse with little recourse.
“For the past four years, we have walked this journey together, a path marked by love, sacrifice, unwavering commitment, and deep gratitude for every life we’ve touched.
“The Foundation has launched the Empowerment Movement to ensure sustainable and meaningful impact, we will implement this initiative in two phases each year until we successfully empower all 100 widows under our care”
Speaking further, Lolo Egbe said: “My life experiences conditioned my resolve stand by widows, the vulnerable, the downtrodden. I’m using the lessons of my pain and the strength I found during those trying period to I found during those trying period to empower people.
“I’m eternally grateful to friends and associates who have been of valuable assistance to me in this journey. Their contributions are not taken for granted”
Guests who graced the occasion include Mrs Nkechi Ann Anene, CEO, St. Ann Collection, Mr Okenwa, Mr Offoreghu and Lady Rosemary Uneanya, Head of Information Unit, Mosan Okunola LCDA.
Other guests including donors are, Mrs Bernardine Eloka, Vice Chairman Clarion Shipping West Africa Ltd, CEO Eagle Homes, Mrs Veronica Umeh, Mr White & UCF Construction Ltd, MD Bright Bonded Terminal, MD CEO Gidi Properties, Mr Akerele, MD, Zenith Bonded Terminal, Chief ThankGod Ifediora, Mr and Mrs Chinedu White and Prophet Desmond.