(Read the preceding part of this story on our website.)
(Part 2/2) I have had different experiences. I can’t say it has been smooth but with every challenge, with every roadblock, there is an opportunity. There were times when I was broke and hungry because I wanted a child to eat while I was waiting for my partners and my salary just disappeared. At a point, I had to resign because I needed to face Bimbo and Friends. Then, I had to get a job again because I needed money.
However, my team and I are consoled by the fact that God is working. He is changing lives, moulding destinies, and people are getting better. When you pay an exam fee for someone, you are comforted that yes, you used your salary but he made his NECO (National Examination Council exam). When you look at someone who is the only person in his family getting a formal education, you are comforted that there is a destiny that is going to shine.
People say things like, “I can’t wait to give to Bimbo and Friends” and I tell them you can give N500; you can give your time or an extra sanitary pad. You don’t have to wait until you have N500,000 or N100,000. We have these challenges and sometimes I get really emotional and people wonder what is wrong with me.
This year, we were registered as an NGO. Our registration name is “Lend a Hand for the Development of Africa”. People have become used to calling me Bimbo and Friends. It’s not about me; it’s about my friends who are very interested in seeing that the lives of young ones are transformed. We come together and then we make things happen.