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At Arise conference 2020, Iluyomade celebrates life, gives palliatives

By Maria Diamond
07 November 2020   |   4:05 am
The Astro Turf of Redeem Christian Church of God, City of David, Oniru, Lagos, was beehive of activities last weekend, as women and men from different walks of life graced this year’s Arise Women Conference (AWC) under the theme: Deeply Rooted – Stay Alive.

Convener, Arise Women Foundation, Dr. Siju Iluyomade (left), former deputy governor of Lagos State and special adviser to the president on sustainable development goals, Adejoke Orelope Adefulire, with other guests at the 2020 Conference in Lagos.

The Astro Turf of Redeem Christian Church of God, City of David, Oniru, Lagos, was beehive of activities last weekend, as women and men from different walks of life graced this year’s Arise Women Conference (AWC) under the theme: Deeply Rooted – Stay Alive.

Over the years, AWC has emerged as a source of relief to the less privileged in the society, and this year’s event which marks the twelfth edition was not left out as participants went home with relief items.

Speaking at the event, convener of the inspirational and empowerment event, Dr. Siju Iluyomade said, “This year 2020 has been very challenging and stormy due to the Coronavirus pandemic that threatened lives and took lives. The theme of this year’s conference is so apt, as only those who were deeply rooted stood a chance to stay alive; the statistics are mind-boggling. As at October 22 2020, an estimated 41.3 million people had been infected with COVID-19, killing 1.13 million people in the world. It appeared suddenly, carrying with it utter destruction and economic downturn that has led to increased poverty.”

Iluyomade, who unveiled the Arise Pink Bucket palliatives containing rice, spaghetti, sugar, toothpaste, wheat flour, and groundnut oil sachet to be distributed in all Local Government Council in Lagos State, said, “We have started distributing the Arise Pink Bucket Palliatives in Surulere and Lagos Island; it will go on to other councils in the state. This is a further contribution of our quota as intervention for the country during this period of economic downturn, just as we did at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic for Lagos State Government. In the past 12 years we have moved and worked with courage of conviction for a clear understanding of love towards all without discrimination whatsoever. We are devoid of religion, social-economic, strata, gender, others.”

She continued: “Arise Women (AW) stand at the forefront of delivering on the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals. These goals are a wakeup call to action. It involves a global partnership with many sectors. The quest to end poverty and other deprivations demands strategic planning and impact from various sectors.”

The event, which was followed with empowerment programmes and support of social amenities like hospitals, school buildings, IT centres and others, featured high profile women speakers such as Chairman of Access Bank Plc, Dr Ajoritsedere Awosika, Mrs Stella Okoli, CEO, Emzor Pharmaceutical, Professor, Akin Abayomi, Commissioner of Health, Lagos State, Tomi Coker Commissioner of Health Ogun State among many other notable personalities.

Mrs. Awosika commended the convener, Siju Iluyomade, for sticking out her neck to inspire and empower the less privileged in the country through the intervention of the AW Foundation.

Founder, Mending Life Foundation Mrs. Olufunke Adetuberu said AWC could not have come at a better time than this auspicious time in Nigeria. “Women should have resilient spirit and be strong.”

Iluyomade presented Arise Ambassador Awards to Ogun State Commissioner For Health Dr. Tomi Coker, Dr. Derin Awosika, and others. Also present at the event was gospel artiste Nathaniel Bassey, Frank Edwards and others who rendered inspirational song.

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