COVID-19: Shout Out to My Sisters In Times Like This

It’s been over eight months since my last post on Worldpulse. So much has happened between then and now. It has been a mix grill of bitter sweet, especially in March 2019 when l lost my immediate younger sister. My entire world came to a halt following her death and for several months life became meaningless. One major area of my life that was adversely affected was my writing skill. Even till now, it’s still a struggle to do creative writing like I used to do.

Over time, I picked up my broken pieces and resumed work with our women and girls. The continued transformation I see in the lives of these folks have been my greatest reward. And the upgrade seemed to be moving so fast until this siege of Coronavirus came. Like a whirlwind sweeping across the land, the pandemic has transverse all continents of the world- Europe, Asia, Africa and everywhere, raging like a child in convulsion.

Scary as the situation has been, I have seen my Worldpulse sisters stand like indomitable lions; working passionately to make a difference by proffering solutions to the myriad of problems that COVID-19 pandemic has generated.

Here in Nigeria, my sisters have continued to stand strong as change-makers and solution providers, giving hope to the hopeless, feeding hungry children and families, providing safety kits such as face mask, soaps and sanitizers, wading into cases of gender based violence, which has increased due to the lockdown in our cities and communities as most men are bored staying at home and also financially handicapped. Unfortunately, these husbands are venting out their anger and frustration on their wives and children, not minding that the wives are struggling hard to still put food on the table.

For most Nigerians, the focus has shifted from fighting the spread of COVID-19 to fighting hunger and insecurity. The palliative measure and relief package promised by government is not reaching the poor masses that need it most. And rather than protest against government’s failure, hoodlums have taken advantage of the situation to unleash terror on the people: breaking into houses, stealing, harassing and even raping some women and girls. Ours is such a case of horror, especially in Lagos and Ogun States where there has been complete lockdown for almost three weeks now.

In times like this, the sensible thing is for everyone to focus on her family or household. But like the mother-hen, my Worldpulse sisters have refused to focus on self. With great passion and pure love, they are reaching out to fellow women, girls, children. They are reaching out in cash and kind; and with everything they can to lighten the load and make life better for others.

I celebrate myself and all my Worldpulse across the world for the incredible work we are doing to help other women, girls, children and even men and boys! Shout out to some of my sisters here in Nigeria whose intervention works have been visible on social media- Olutosin Oladosu, Busayo Obisakin, Chinyere Anokwuru, Nkem Okocha, myself and others too numerous to mention. I know all my sisters are doing great work as Impact Leaders in spite of COVID-19 pandemic.

Shout out to my amiable sister, friend and partner, Bim Adegbite. Though miles apart, she has continued to support our work with girls in Ijegun with all her heart and might. We met on Worldpulse in 2016 and ever since have worked together as family. With the support of her friends at Apinke Girls Initiative, she has provided mentorship and strength to our teenage girls in under-resourced communities. 

And even at this time of pandemic, Bim Adegbite is unrelenting in her commitment to make life beautiful for Ijegun girls and their families. She is raising funds to support our food drive so that the girls can sail through this turbulent time with minimal stress.

Shout out to you Bim! I can't thank you enough! Thanks for all you do! You surely deserve an award!

Shout out to women who compliment and encourage others, even in times like this!

Shout out to our trailblazer, Jensine Lansen for leading the way! Shout out to all Worldpulse Sisters! We are the Amazons! I celebrate us!