Gone
are the days when giving back is regarded as a gesture reserved for the
old. For us at Sujimoto, generosity is the pillar of our organization
and we took full advantage of this preconception engaging in a hands on
“give back” initiative in our society precisely on our young CEO's
birthday.
As a young man, birthday celebrations would be a great reason
to travel to great destinations, go for dinner or end up at a night
club; but the days of popping champagne are over, because we have
realized that the poverty rate in this country is alarming.
"According
to the World Bank report, 112 million Nigerians find it difficult to
eat one meal a day. 112 million is almost twice the population of UK. I
might not be able to change this situation, but together, we all can
make a difference in our own little way.
I
grew up between Agege and Oke-Arin, so I understand what it is to drink
garri without sugar; and because I know and understand what poverty
means, giving back to me is not voluntary, it is an obligation. The
'10000 Giving Back with Sujimoto' idea was borne out of the need to
reach out to the needy in society, focusing 80% on our physically
challenged women, single mothers, widows and other under privileged
citizens of this nation. It is a major call to action on the Poverty
Emancipation Programme (PEP) programme.
Packaging Event
On the 7th of
April 2015, it blew my mind as I saw a multitude of happy faces coming
together in a hall, filled with love and excitement, packing items for
distribution in the spirit of giving back to our society. The idea
stimulated my brother and friend Abba Atiku, who not only attend the
dinner event, but helped us in packaging these items, and also joined us
on the road show. About 15-20 items/provisions consisting of
rice, gala, noodles, oil, Maggi, golden morn, water, toothpaste, Dangote
sugar, salt, soap, t-shirts, and loads of nourishment courtesy of
Nestle Nig Plc, were carefully packed in customized 'Sujimoto10000'
bags, as we were all set to hit the road on the 8th of April 2015.
Charity Dinner
Rhapsody’s has seen many events but few of them would meet the personification of
class and glamour of 'Sujimoto10000' where the lights and camera
flashes made it look like the premiere of a Hollywood movie as all was
set for the evening. Adeola Odeku down to Agoro Odiyan was on a complete
lock down as everyone kept wondering; “What event is this?” Nigerians
proved themselves to be committed to giving back as top shots in
society, captains of industry, top politicians and individuals from all
walks of life joined us in an evening filled with fun, luxury and
giving. Happy people in typical Lagos fashion allow me to say “turn
up”. This event won’t be forgotten in a hurry, as Rhapsody’s did not
falter in its service and hospitality.
Falz
the Bahdguy delivered in his humorous manner which left the crowd in
stitches and the beautiful Pearl was there to assist him. Niyola did not
disappoint as she serenaded in her amazing voice remarkably engaging
her audience and notable performances from Dammy Krane and the Robot
dancers left guests in awe. The celebrant’s vote of thanks was an
unscripted emotion laden speech, one filled with appreciation and
extolling the virtues of his supportive mother who against all odds and
without any formal education rose above all adversity to become who she
is today through hard work and Nestle Nig Plc partnership seeing her on
a steady rise to become one its top 3 distributors today; 'I am a
living evidence of Nestle's generosity 34yrs ago, if it wasn’t for
Nestle, I might not have been able to go to school and I might not be
standing here today'.
Road Show & Charity Donations
On Wednesday,
what looked like a political rally was a campaign towards giving back
to society. The 8th of April 2015 would never be forgotten. This isn’t
because it was actually my birthday but for the fact that I was able to
leave home from 9am and
we did not stop until we touched the lives of so many people. A convoy
of about 10 cars and buses set out to give out our packaged bags and
other items to charity organizations, needy on the streets and the
general public. With about 70 stops in different areas from Ojuelegba,
Orile, Iyana Ipaja, Makoko, Oshodi and areas I never knew existed. We
had music, friends, and volunteers as recipients were extremely pleased
as they received a surprise bag. The excitement, happiness and love was
truly an unbeatable feeling for us. One lady with tears in her eyes
said: 'I didn't know what to feed my kids with today, but your surprise
has blessed my day, only God would bless you all'
I
have such a huge love for twins. It has always been my desire that when
I get married, God gives me twins. Coincidentally, there are one year
old twins who were born on the same day as I was. These twins are at the
Red Cross Home in Yaba which was one of the homes we visited. I
instantly fell in love with them and adopted them until they finish
their university. I pray that God gives me the strength to support
them.
My friends, colleagues and many other people volunteered and joined us as we toured within Lagos to give to back.
It
is my belief that poverty is not just the absence of finances but in
reality a poor mind is a weak mind. So it might not be the capacity to
give financially but the moral support, the time spent and selfless
commitment to change someone's life positively…that to me is the biggest
asset invested in you by God.
We
might not be able to help everyone but everyone can help one person. So
let’s eradicate poverty as we all join together and touch one life
after the other.”
Allow
me to thank “team Sujimoto” without you guys this wouldn’t have
happened, especially Miss Oyinda who was instrumental in management,
delegating and execution.
“If your neighbour is hungry, your chicken is not safe”- Sijibomi Ogundele
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