Erepade Isiayei, a Nigerian native now residing in Germany, is making waves in the education and social empowerment sector. Passionate about providing opportunities to underprivileged communities, Erepade founded the Erepade International Children Empowerment Foundation, dedicated to breaking down barriers to education across Africa. As an accomplished author, Erepade’s books, POWEI, The Symbol of Strength and The Dilemma, Reflection of the World Through the Eyes of a Refugee, shed light on pressing social issues and amplify the voices of marginalised communities.
With plans to host a book reading event in Delta State, Nigeria, and establish a dental clinic to provide healthcare to those in need, Erepade’s dedication to improving lives knows no bounds. She continues to inspire and empower individuals worldwide, embodying the spirit of compassion and resilience in her quest to make the world a better place for all. In this interview with ESTHER IJEWERE, she shares her story.

Childhood influence
My childhood experiences and role models have likely played a crucial role in shaping my passion for education, social entrepreneurship and community development. My biggest role model as an adolescent was Frank Nweke Jnr.

I remember how I knew him from doing homework about writing the names of all the ministers in Nigeria and I saw him on NTA news. He was young, slim, intelligent and completely different from the picture I had of successful politicians in Nigeria. He became my role model and I started buying every newspaper I see his face just to stick it to my books. He is still actively creating positive impact in Enugu State and Nigeria at large and I must say Nigeria is blessed to have a great mind like him.
Also having parents who were both teachers had a profound impact on my values and perspectives. Witnessing my parent’s commitment to education may have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of learning.
Lastly, my upbringing taught me to be resourceful and find joy in simple things. This resourcefulness is a valuable trait in social entrepreneurship, where creative solutions are often needed. Additionally, the gratitude instilled in me for what I have contributed to my commitment to giving back.
In summary, my childhood experiences, my parents as educators, the loss of my parents, the transition to studying abroad, and the values instilled in my upbringing played an integral role in shaping my passion for education, social entrepreneurship and community development. These early influences have contributed to the path I have chosen and the impactful work I engage in today.

Her journey in empowering children through education
My journey as a social change agent is deeply rooted in my upbringing, personal experiences and a strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in Nigeria.
It is a reflection of my childhood upbringing and the values instilled in me by my parents, particularly my father’s dedication to education and community service. Growing up in Nigeria with a large family, I learned important values such as patience, cooperation and responsibility. The loss of my parents was a significant turning point that motivated me to pursue my dreams without any atom of fear and make the most of the opportunities available to me.
Another motivating factor was the challenges I faced in adapting to the new German culture, language and educational system. Despite these challenges, my strong work ethic and determination, instilled during my childhood, helped me navigate and thrive in the new environment. My experiences in Nigeria and Germany collectively shaped me into a determined and adaptable individual prepared to face life’s challenges.

The genesis of Erepade International Children Empowerment Foundation
The inspiration behind establishing the Erepade International Children Empowerment Foundation stems from a combination of my upbringing, personal experiences and a strong belief in the transformative power of education.
Some interesting key points such as family values of caring, sharing and helping the needy also inspired my decision to start EICEF. It’s also worth mentioning that growing up in a household where education and humility were emphasised, I witnessed the transformative power of education through my father’s commitment to sponsoring scholarships and supporting students in his little way and I just wanted to carry on his amazing principles.
Secondly, having attended different boarding schools, and interacted with different classes of people on my academic journey, I encountered children from diverse backgrounds, some facing socio-economic challenges. This exposure heightened my awareness of disparities in access to quality education.

Studying in Germany also broadened my perspective on child welfare and education. Experiencing different approaches adopted by NGOs in Germany to empower children and communities in Africa and other countries affected by one form of crisis or other influenced my ideas for the foundation.
The loss of my parents has been a major driving force behind my decision to stay strong on the principles guiding the foundation. The difficult period fueled my determination to create more positive change and provide opportunities for children facing similar challenges and I realised that there‘s no harm in aiming as high as possible because there is no opportunity to dream big when the roll is called up yonder.
Overall, my journey as a social change agent and the establishment of the foundation is a culmination of my personal experiences, values and a genuine desire to empower young people and make a lasting impact in their lives through education and entrepreneurship.

Perspective on community development in Nigeria
With a background in education and healthcare, I believe their intersection is pivotal for community development, particularly in Nigeria. By integrating health education into schools, promoting nutritious meals and providing mental health support, we can empower students and communities to lead healthier lives. Collaborative efforts between educators and healthcare professionals can drive holistic development and address socio-economic determinants, fostering empowered and thriving communities.
Furthermore, advocating for comprehensive school health programmes, including regular health check-ups and awareness campaigns, can contribute to the early detection and prevention of health issues among students. It’s essential to recognise the interconnectedness of education, healthcare and socio-economic factors in achieving sustainable community development and ensuring equitable access to quality education and healthcare services for all.

Key messages and themes in Delta State book reading Event
In the upcoming book reading event in Delta State, my key messages relate to education as always, self-discovery and menstrual health.
In the aspect of education, I will be emphasising the unlimited power of education in shaping individuals and communities, sharing personal anecdotes or stories from my book to illustrate how education played a pivotal role in my journey and how it can empower others, highlighting the broader impact of education on societal development and the role of teachers in inspiring students to become better versions of themselves.
We will also look into discussing the theme of self-discovery as a journey of finding one’s identity, purpose and inner strength, and the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness. There will be a lot of fun activities just like the last book reading in Lagos Nigeria; there will be project ideas from the participants, scholarship offers and seminar sessions on sustainable and reusable menstrual hygiene solutions, emphasising environmental consciousness and accessibility.
I and my team at the book reading will also stress the idea of knowledge as a powerful tool for empowerment. In summary, my messages at the book reading event will only be disclosed at the event centre.

Navigating challenges in girl child education advocacy
As a passionate advocate for girl child education, I faced various challenges ranging from distance to connecting with beneficiaries, authentication of cases forwarded, financial issues, stress on my side due to my studies and job, working on establishing partnerships with schools, NGOs, or government agencies to improve my projects, scouting scholarships, mentorship programmes, awareness campaigns and meeting up with deadlines have been major hurdles for me. But with support from my sister Egbe-ere Cynthia Isiayei and amazing mentors especially my intentional Queen, Udunma Ikoro, I’ve been able to make consistent progress.
There is also the issue of cultural barriers, especially tribalism, where I am expected to sponsor only a particular tribe or also gender cases where I have to choose between a boy and a girl. These are quite tough issues where I have to make fair decisions but God has been helping me to sort things out amicably to the best of my ability.

Balancing professional duties and social commitments
Balancing professional responsibilities as an International Marketing Manager in a Hi-Tech company with a commitment to social entrepreneurship and community development can be challenging but is certainly feasible. I employ some strategies to achieve a balance; for example, effective time management. I prioritise tasks and allocate specific time slots for my responsibilities in the Hi-Tech company and my social entrepreneurship initiatives. This includes setting clear boundaries for work hours and dedicating specific time to my projects.
I also seek to have a strategic alignment between my professional role and social impact initiatives. I explore ways to integrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives within the Hi-Tech company’s framework, allowing me to contribute to community development through my professional role and my boss is very supportive of my work, which makes it all easy on me.
I have also been actively involved in strategic networking within the Hi-Tech and medical industry to identify opportunities for collaboration between the companies, doctors and social impact organisations; building partnerships that can enhance both my professional profile and my foundation’s impact.
By strategically integrating my professional expertise with my commitment to community development, I believe I can create a harmonious balance between my roles as an international marketing manager and a social entrepreneur. This approach allows me to make a positive impact in both spheres and contribute to meaningful change.

Reflecting on refugee support initiatives and their impact
Most support I offered voluntarily to refugees was that of a translator at official appointments at the foreigner’s office, Standesamt or Jugendamt, volunteering at old people’s homes and also sometimes helping people living with disabilities. These are just hobbies and I get a lot of experience just from helping others.
Germany already has an all-encompassing integration system for refugees, so it’s just a matter of choice for the refugees to decide what they want to do with their lives. But I always encourage refugees to make use of the free education offered so that they can become independent and well-integrated members of the society.

The vision behind establishing a dental clinic for the needy
The decision to focus on dental healthcare stemmed from the loss of a childhood friend to a chronic tooth infection, which highlighted the lack of access to affordable dental services. Inspired by this experience and driven by a desire to make a difference, I pursued dental nursing despite academic challenges. The goal is to provide accessible and affordable dental services to those in need and create awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. Through preventive services such as regular check-ups and education on oral health, the clinic aims to prevent dental issues from escalating. Additionally, health education programmes will empower individuals with knowledge about oral health and inspire young people to pursue careers in dental medicine. Overall, the motivation is to address community needs and promote preventive healthcare for better overall well-being.

Messages Behind her books – POWEI and The Dilemma
“POWEI, The Symbol of Strength” conveys a message of empowerment, highlighting the strength within individuals, especially girls, to overcome challenges and adversities. “The Dilemma, Reflection of the World Through the Eyes of a Refugee” delves into the complex experiences of refugees, offering a nuanced perspective on the challenges they face. I aim to create awareness, foster empathy and advocate for the rights and well-being of refugees as well as some of the root causes of the refugee crisis.
In summary, my books convey messages of strength, resilience and the complex experiences of marginalised communities, girl child experiences in Nigeria, refugees as the case may be, the uninterested attitudes of citizens to the issues concerning their countries and the failure of government.

Shaping the path of social entrepreneurship and community development
Michelle Obama’s journey from her childhood to her current projects at the Obama Foundation has deeply inspired me. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has been an iconic figure, challenging narratives about education. Nse Ikpe-Etim’s elegance, intelligence and success have left me speechless, showing me the possibilities of being a multifaceted woman. Cynthia Adaeze Chinule has been like an angel, guiding me back on track through her actions and inspiring me to strive for more.

Embracing the “Woman of Rubies” identity through community impact
Some amazing people refer to me as a “woman of rubies” based on several qualities and contributions that characterise me as a person. But I believe my dedication to social change, particularly in the realm of children’s empowerment, demonstrates my commitment to making a positive impact in my community. My work reflects a deep sense of responsibility and compassion.
As the founder of the Erepade International Children Empowerment Foundation, I actively strive to support and sponsor children and young people by providing scholarships, educational resources and holistic support in a bid to produce independent citizens that will be useful to the Nigerian State.
In summary, my identity as a woman of rubies is characterised by my commitment to social change, resilience, empowerment of others, impactful projects, mentorship, global outlook, the ability to balance professional and social commitments, and advocacy through literature. My projects not only contribute to the well-being of my community but also inspire and empower individuals on a broader scale.