By Modupe Gbadeyanka
It was an exciting time for some residents of Lagos recently when the MD/CEO of Sujimoto, Mr Sijibomi Ogundele, hit the streets to put smile on the faces of traders, traffic warden and others.
The businessman and philanthropist shared some items and cash to several hardworking Nigerians so as to make them have a better life.
Last year was tough for many Nigerians because of the twin effect of COVID-19 and #EndSARS protest and some of them have still not back on their feet.
A few of those trying to restart their lives afresh are finding it difficult because the economic situation in the country is not helping matters but Sujimoto has taken it upon itself to render any assistance.
“One of such lucky Lagosians was a pregnant hawker by the name Mercy, who we later learnt has been abandoned by her husband.
“I was sad to see this lady, heavily pregnant but still trying to provide for herself and her unborn child. It is interesting to see how enterprising she is despite her condition.
“She reminded me of the resilience of most Nigerian women, in the face of hardship. The same resilience that took my trader mother from Ijebu Igbo to Lagos, to become one of the major distributors for Nestle Nigeria, just as the lady moved from one tray to multiple gifts.
“We have launched a campaign to find her and better her life,” Mr Ogundele said.
Another beneficiary of the Sujimoto Santa was a middle-aged traffic warden at Ogudu roundabout. A woman who is known in that community as a very committed and a dedicated traffic warden, never leaving her duty post, come rain or shine, always ensuring the traffic is smooth in that axis and she is known for always wearing a smile.
‘An incredible, selfless and patriotic civil servant like her deserves special recognition for her selfless service to her country people.
“While we appreciated her with a cash gift and a bumper hamper, we believe that people like her should be specially rewarded by the government to serve as an inspiration for the younger generations,” the CEO added.
From Ikorodu to Ogudu, Sujimoto also reached out to many petty traders, group of highway managers, industrious disabled men who did not allow their condition to affect their hustle and many others.
According to Mr Ogundele said, “If, for anything, 2020 taught us about the importance of gratitude and the frailty of life. More importantly, it has taught us the significance of being our neighbours’ keeper – we need each other to survive.”
Adedapo Adesanya