Lucia Ayanbiola, a retired educator, is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Ayanbiola Charity Foundation (MACAF), a non-governmental organisation with focus on women empowerment and child welfare. In this interview with YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE, she speaks on her experience on women empowerment, gender equality, need for government support and women leadership abilities, among other issues.
How will you describe yourself?
I am just someone that is passionate about the welfare and advancement of others; this passion was fueled by my profession as I devoted my entire professional life to the noble art of teaching. My greatest desire is to put smiles on the faces of people in need within the society and this is what I have been doing in my little way through the Mercy Ayanbiola Charity Foundation (MACAF)
What influenced you as a retiree to run an NGO?
Primarily, I will say that my influence stems from a profound passion for, among other things the welfare and development of humanity. Running a non-governmental organisation is a means for me to fulfill my dream of making life easier for others, especially women. It has been a long-held aspiration for me to be blessing to people within my environment. I set up the foundation basically as a not for-profit humanitarian service body that is centred on providing succour to the underprivileged people in the society and lend hands to the needy, especially women who bear the greatest burden of poverty in the family. And I have been able to carry out this daunting obligation of social responsibilities and humanitarian efforts of building people without any ulterior motive or anticipation of pecuniary gains because it is a deep fulfillment of my heart desires to share whatever I have with orders, in fulfillment of the instruction of the Lord that we should love our neigbours as ourselves.
Also, my interactions with people in the society as a school teacher, especially within the circle of the underprivileged majority enabled me to see that many people live without the basics and need help, I also realised that we cannot leave everything to government if we indeed desire a better society; I saw many that lack food, children going to school without shoes and in tattered uniforms and I know we all have a role to play. So I started doing all I could to help those within my reach but after my retirement from the teaching profession, I decided to go fully into the ministry of touching lives
Why do you focused on women?
I focused on women because gender equality is a significant issue in many parts of the world, including Africa; I will say this is especially so on the African continent, consequently, women often face disparities in access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities and political representation, making it difficult for them to attain potentials; this is why I am concerned about them and willing to always help to make the burden lighter on them because they bear the weight of poverty more.
How do you get funds to help the women that your organisation has impacted?
We serve a God who supplies all our needs at various events we have organised. I do what I can and people who believe in the vision also help. My children are a source of support as they constantly give a helping hand.
How easy is it to run an NGO?
Running a non-governmental organisation is not an easy venture, especially when you think of funding and how to spread resources to reach many people at a go. It can be challenging but with determination, perseverance and a mind of not despising little beginnings, a small body can do a lot and touch many lives even with small resources.
What are the challenges you face?
Well, there are many challenges; aside from funding, you have to consider logistics and the fact that some people that you are trying to help may at times hurt you, especially when they believe that you must meet all their demands or act like you are not doing enough. But I ensure that I follow the words of a popular saying that if it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you; I expect challenges and I face them head-on but generally, securing financial support for projects and day-to-day operations are major challenges.
What are your thoughts on women having streams of income?
A woman having multiple income sources at this period is important; it is a prudent and empowering approach to financial stability and independence. Various income streams also offer opportunities for skills development. No woman can afford to waste opportunities in this age.
Can women be good leaders?
Yes, women can be good leaders and, indeed, we have women that have been outstanding leaders in Africa, just as there are in any other parts of the world. Leadership is not based on a person’s gender but on their qualities, skills and abilities
How can government help organisations like your own that are working with women in the grassroots?
With government’s support, NGOs can address critical issues, empower women and promote development. It will increase our efficiency when interacting with women and communities.
I use this opportunity to call on government at all levels to work with NGOs to double up their efforts in their poverty alleviation programmes, in order to wipe out the vicious cycle of poverty in the Nigerian society.
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