Her name is now synonymous to philanthropy. 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 the birth of a Non-Government Organisation (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 institutionalised the Handmaidens Women in Leadership Series (HWILS) to build intentional leaders.
In the last couple of months, weeks culminating to her 57th birthday on January 8, 2020, the delectable lawyer of 36 years’ 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 13 years of inception. Hospitals, school buildings, computerised library, boreholes are some of the many infrastructures she has given to communities like Dafara, Kabusa in Abuja, Ondo, Imo, Kebbi and Lagos States.
It is of note that, despite Siju being the ever-supportive wife to Pastor Idowu Iluyomade of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David and Arise Women being a faith-based NGO, she has not discriminated in giving succour to the less privileged in the country regardless of their ethnic, tribal or religious affinity.
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 12:30pm to 2:00pm to teach and mentor women from all walks of life. Testimonies abound of how the initiative has helped many to find their purpose in life.
The outreach has donated eight incubators to the Lagos Island Maternity as well as oxygen gauges, blood pressure machines, diapers, baby clothes, toys etc.
In addition, the organisation, 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 Women did not only donate ventilators, it distributed several medical equipment including protective suits, KN95 masks, infrared thermometers as well as foodstuffs 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 areas of Lagos State already benefitting from the largesse, Siju has promised to further continue the distribution of the items in other local councils of the state in commemoration of her 57th birthday.