Group targets $150,000 for women empowerment in Makoko, others

For many years, Makoko, a floating community of fishermen across the 3rd Mainland Bridge along the lagoon remains a slum in Lagos that has been threatened by environmental and health challenges. Makoko is a perfect nightmare for the Lagos government, whose residents also live under the constant threat of eviction. However, different administrations in Lagos state as well as non-governmental-organizations in the past, have initiated many interventions to improve the plight of the residents.

One of such NGOs is Upward African Woman (UAW), a group of professional women from Nigeria, Eritrea and the USA, led by its Programme Development Director Engineer Aineakho Ojior. In continuation of its intervention programmes for the empowerment and sustenance of long term solutions for women in Africa, UAW is hoping to raise $150,000 during its 10th anniversary, which will enable it to continue to build and increase its impact.

“We are looking forward to raising $150,000, which will enable Upward African Woman to continue to build and increase its impact. The popularity of this event has grown tremendously over the years with guests from the fields of music, film, healthcare, business and government attending. Attendees have also enjoyed the opportunity to experience authentic African cuisine and music. By giving to Upward African Woman, you will be able to help us sustain our education programs both here in Los Angeles, California and in Africa.

“We are actively seeking corporate sponsorships, collaborations, and partnerships with like-minded organizations and businesses. By establishing strategic alliances, we can combine our efforts and resources to create more sustainable and long-term solutions for women empowerment in Africa,” she said.

According to her, the group has been organizing various events such as charity galas, benefit concerts, and community campaigns to engage individuals and raise funds for its programmes. She noted that these events not only provide financial support, but also help raise awareness about its cause and attract more supporters to the organization.

She said the group was able to give scholarships to children from Makoko to attend Our Lady of Apostle School in Yaba, Lagos. “Their parents are uneducated fishermen and petty traders who did not have the means to send their children to school. They did not have the experience of a formal education so could not prepare their children for the challenges ahead.

“These amazing children had a very difficult time adjusting to their new environment, coming from the slums of Makoko having never been in a classroom setting. From their language to their mannerisms, and even their ability to keep up with teaching, all of it was hard and they were teased by their classmates”

Ojior, who is a telecommunication and information engineer, hinted that this year’s fundraiser tagged The Black-Tie Gala, will hold on October 28 in Beverly Hills, California, USA.