The Chairperson of Epe Local Government, Hon. Surah Olayemi Animashaun, has spearheaded several transformative initiatives that are making a significant impact on the lives of women in the area.
In a bid to shun critics, the chairperson highlighted her achievements, noted that critics were only pushing agenda to sabotage her works for the good people of Epe.
With a deep commitment to improving the lives of widows, elderly women, and other marginalized groups, Hon. Animashaun has worked alongside Hon. Bola Lawal, the Supervisory Councilor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, to prioritise both immediate relief and long-term empowerment strategies for women in the Epe Local Government Area.
This was made known in a statement made available to The New Daily Prime.
The chairperson noted that one of the standout efforts under her leadership is the distribution of cash palliatives to 2,000 women across Epe.
She added that the initiative provided financial assistance aimed at easing the daily struggles many women face in rural communities.
The statement read, “By directly addressing the financial challenges these women face, the programme offered a lifeline to families in need, providing critical resources for their day-to-day survival.”
The Chairperson also stated the distribution of essential food items to vulnerable women, including elderly women and widows as another step taken.
It also read, “The programme saw the distribution of staple food items such as rice, spaghetti, gari, and indomie, ensuring that these women have access to basic nutrition, even during times of economic hardship. This initiative has been particularly significant for women in remote areas, who are often the most affected by economic downturns.”
Hon. Surah also celebrated International Women’s Day with a special event that highlighted the critical role women play in society and underscored the importance of advancing women’s rights.
“The celebration not only served as a platform to honour women’s contributions, but also strengthened the sense of community and solidarity among women in the Epe Local Government Area.
“The event was a testament to the local government’s ongoing commitment to creating an environment where women’s voices are valued and heard,” it stated.
In addition to these efforts, the Chairperson launched the Itoju Awon Obinrin Ilu Epe programme, a vital initiative designed to provide care and support for elderly women.
The statement further stated, “The programme aimed to ensure that older women in the community receive the attention, care, and resources they need, affirming the local government’s commitment to treating its senior female citizens with the dignity they deserve.”
In partnership with Hon. Bola Lawal, Hon. Surah has also prioritised skills development and empowerment for women. Through various training programmes and advocacy efforts, they have provided women with the tools they need to become more self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
“The welfare of women, especially those in rural and underserved communities, is at the core of my administration’s agenda,” said Hon. Lawal.
She further said, “Our work is focused on ensuring that every woman in Epe has the chance to thrive, no matter their social or economic background. By combining immediate assistance with long-term empowerment, we are paving the way for a brighter future for women and their families.
“The results of these initiatives have been overwhelmingly positive, with many women in the local government expressing their gratitude for the timely assistance they have received. The success of these programmes has set a benchmark for other local governments, demonstrating how targeted support can bring about lasting change in the lives of vulnerable women.
“As Epe Local Government continues its development efforts, Hon. Surah Olayemi Animashaun remains dedicated to improving the welfare of women and fighting poverty, with a sharp focus on ensuring that women in the region have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Through her leadership, the voices and needs of women in Epe are being amplified and addressed with care, compassion, and a commitment to their long-term empowerment.”
Adeniyi Yusuf
