CELEBRATING A QUINTESSENTIAL AMAZON, SIJU ILUYOMADE AT 57

Her name is now synonymous to a philanthropist. Not just an accolade she garnered for her exploits in supporting few individuals but assisting Communities, supporting thousands, Local , State and Federal Government at large. For Dr Siju Iluyomade, her compassion knows no bounds, as far as it puts smiles on the less privileged faces. This trait of hers resonated to give birth to a Non Government Organization [NGO] Arise Women Foundation. Not only that, Siju as she’s fondly called is known to have nurtured charitable hopes, and determination to help women efficiently thrive in life. She institutionalized the Handmaidens Women in Leadership Series (HWILS) to build intentional leaders. In the last couple of months, weeks culminating to her 57th birthday, 8th of January 2020, the delectable Lawyer of 36years experience has assisted and supported not fewer than 40,000 households and individuals. Needless to dwell much on what she has used one of her charitable brands, Arise Women Conference, to do in terms empowerment, human capacity building and National development at large in the last 13years of inception. Hospitals, School buildings, Computerized Library, Boreholes are some of the many infrastructures it has rendered to Communities like Dafara, Kabusa in Abuja, Ondo, Imo, Kebbi and Lagos State. It is of note that, despite Siju being the ever supportive wife to Pastor Idowu Iluyomade of Redeem Christian Church of God, City of David and Arise Women being a faith based NGO, she has not discriminated in giving succor to less privileged in the Country regardless of ethnic, tribe or religion. Dr. Siju is on the cutting edge of women’s and less privileged overall well being and empowerment. She is passionate, purpose-driven, a catalyst for change, a vessel of transformation. She speaks up for the rights of women and believes that gone are the days of voiceless women. Dr. Siju pioneered the Handmaidens Fellowship in 1995 which has now become a popular, purpose-driven and multi-generational fellowship that meets every Wednesday from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM to teach and mentor women from all walks of life. Testimonies abound of how the Handmaidens gathering have helped many to find their purpose in life.

The Handmaidens outreach has donated Eight (8) incubators to the Lagos Island Maternity as well as oxygen gauges, blood pressure machines, diapers, baby clothes, toys etc. In addition, the Handmaidens, in conjunction with the City of David, Charity Ball donated a dialysis machine to the Gbagada General Hospital.

 Dr Siju’s intervention to the plight of Coronavirus patients and less privilege in this very challenging time came very handy at a time the Government is seeking for support from corporate bodies and individuals. Arise did not only donated Ventilators, it distributed several medical equipment including protective suits, KN95 masks, infrared thermometers as well as food stuffs to Isolation Centres in Lagos State. In the last few weeks, Siju’s Arise Pink Bucket, which consisted of food items like rice, groundnut oil, Tomato paste among others has taken over many parts of the State. The food item serves as palliatives in this very difficult time for the less privileged in the society. With over seven Local Government in Lagos State already benefited from the largesse, Siju has promised to further continue the distribution of Arise food basket in other Councils in the State in commemoration of her 57th birthday