Covid -19 has become a household name globally. It didn't just come with a death certificate, it came with hunger, a tool of slow death.
When the world was afraid of Covid 19 and running helter-skelter to stock up toilet paper, face masks, gloves and sanitizer, my only feat was hunger, among the people who I work with in Ibasa Riverside Lagos Nigeria.
I refused to be quiet, I speak out because nobody speaks for me, I speak for myself!
I have a voice, it has become my arms and ammunition. My voice is louder than the loudest microphone. My voice can save, my voice is strong yet soothing.
I know the power of the voice, so I have learned to use it to the advantage of humanity, especially women and girls who are most vulnerable in time like this.
So, Eight days ago, without a farthing in my name, I made a post of my decision to distribute quality foodstuffs to FOUR HUNDRED FAMILIES in Ibasa.
It sounds insane to anybody, but a woman sure by good online family and friends, who has the backing of God Almighty, such a decision is a simple matter.
Therefore, on the 27th of April 2020, I made a simple post on Facebook... MY DEAR FRIENDS, IM HERE AGAIN. MY PLAN IS TO GIVE FOODSTUFFS TO 400 FAMILIES ON MAY 5TH, 2020. IT'S IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT. Posted at 12.40pm Nigerian time.
That was the magic that performed the miracle, a voice!
Help came.
My online sisters and brothers rose up to the occasion. They threw their weight behind me, and they donated towards the D-day.
I went ahead to announce to a few women, who went about disseminating the gospel of free good quality foodstuffs for women in need at our transformation centre on May 5th.
I believe in the power of God Almighty, Voicing out a need, sisterhood and Humanity.
Between April 27th and May4th, we had visited the Bazar Supermarket more than ten times, my online sisters and brothers donated towards the project.
On May 5th, as early as 5am, women began to take position in front of Colleen Centre. The program was slated for 10am, we had to fast forward to 7am. This was because at 7am, we had more than 400 women and at 7.30 am, these women were already posited by their foods.
We gave the best with integrity and love. Because of the support of my online friends.
In each bag are
6 spaghetri packs
10 Noodles
3 Macaroni packs
1 litre vegetable oil
2kg wheat
1 kg semolina
4 derica of beans
1 kg garri flour
5 sachet of tomato paste
105 Maggi cubes
NO RICE
When I learned about the lockdown, I moved to Ibasa Riverside where I work and I began to make food available for women in need. Since that day, my online family continues to support my dream of feeding women and girls.
I am in deep appreciation of every single person who contributed to the success of the event. May Almighty God bless each and everyone of them, Amen.
It would have been impossible without their love, trust and support. It was a wonderful and fulfilling day at Ibasa today.
Staying connected can save lives.
Hello sister you are doing a good job ....
what this society today needs more than anything is the spirit of empathy.. the ability to put ourselves in the shoes of those who are facing hardship and suffering to understand and share what they are going through.
Lots of love..
love you my darling sister, you have said it all.
Thanks for reading.
Hello Beautiful Sister,
Thank you for sharing ,
You are so amazing .
Thank you so much for all you do .You are incredible .
We are so proud of you . Thank you so much.
Thank you very much my dearest sister.
Dear Olutosin, my dear sister,
Every step of the way you have shown what is possible, what one determined woman with a heart of gold can accomplish. How wonderful that a growing circle of people with generous and loving hearts have committed to listening to you and showing up in ways to help. I hope many more will be inspired.
Deep love in sisterhood,
Tam
My Lovely sister, thank you for the beautiful work you are doing too. You are awesome in your passion for gender equality .
Good Job Sister! The hunger is so much in our land now. Thank you for all you are doing
Love
Busayo
adupe Maaaaaaa.
May Almighty God heal our land. Amen.
Wow.. thanks for all you do. Keep winning
Sister of mine,
I visited Ibassa in January not knowing that was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to be in the same space for 5 days with a woman of such soul like yourself. Thank you for all you do and share and give up so that one more person wouldn't sleep hungry.
Light and love sis
My Angel sister, God bless you. Amen.
You are always welcome oooo.
Thank you for sharing.
you are welcome.
Good union this dream of feeding women and girls, courage goes forward
Thanks.
Great sister. Well done. May God continue to bless you and give you the strength and wisdom to keep going.
My sister, thanks. God bless you too. Amen.
It is very meaning. You are so great. It's tough these days, you still stand out to support and help the others.
May almighty God bless you and all!
Thank you very much for reading.
Thanks, sister Tosin for sharing this beautiful and inspiring write-up. Staying connected really pays as it boosts our ways to staying alive. Kind regards, Love.
Your everly sister,
Florence
Yes you are right. Thanks sister mi.
Bonjour ma soeur je vous félicite beaucoup pour cette courage que vous vous donner, vraiment que notre Dieu vous bénisse.
Thanks so much.
Woah! Congrats Sis.It really doesn't take much to make impact.
More grace!
It takes much to make impact my sister, it just doesn't take much to write about it.
It takes much to make impact my sister, it just doesn't take much to write about it.
Hello Olutosin,
You have done such amazing work and I hope you are very proud of yourself. This is a true example of the power of speaking out for others and all we may miss if we stay silent. Thank you for posting, we could all learn a lesson from this story.
Thank you very much for reading and encouraging me too.
A woman of many parts, still you rise everyday.
Thank you for giving hope and feeding the hungry.
Love you ma❤❤
Thank you for sharing and stay save