Women Entrepreneurs Donate Chairs to Late Alaba Lawson’s College

Ololade Adeyanju/

The Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Development Network (WEPDN) has donated new set of chairs to Alaba Royal College, Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital, as part of the network gestures for educational support for the institution

President of the network Affi Israel Ibanga accompanied by other members made the donations of the 50 chairs to the college located at Kuto area of the town in memory of late Iyalode Alaba Lawson, who was the proprietor of the college.

The network at a brief ceremony ahead of the burial of Lawson, who was a frontline entrepreneur and the first female President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), handed over the chairs to the first son of the deceased Akinola Lawson in the presence of the college Principal.

The network boss explained that the gesture was done in appreciation of the late Lawson who was their mentor and benefactor, but died on October 28, 2023 in her private residence in Abeokuta.

“We are presenting these 50 chairs to the school in support of the academic activities of the school, and in appreciation of our late mother, benefactor and pillar of support. She was there for us at all time,” she said.

Israel-Ibanga assured that the gestures would be continuous, stressing that the deceased who was the Iyalode of Yoruba, could never be forgotten, particularly for opening door of success for the network before her final breath on earth.

“Iyalode, our mentor was a great woman who encouraged us and opened door of achievements for us. She cannot be forgotten in a hurry. Her memory will continue to linger on, and we shall ensure that her legacies live on. It is unfortunate that we lost her at this particular time.

“We are convinced that she is resting peacefully with her creator. She did well, did her best within the period of her existence on this earth. Mama Lawson was a woman of integrity, who was always concerned about the positive growth for anybody who crossed her path.”

The President of the network declared that, no doubt, the Iyalode’s absence would be felt and the shoe left behind might be too big for others to wear. She pledged to sustain her good work.

The bereaved son of Lawson in his response expressed appreciation to the network. He recalled that her late mother had always made reference to the proactiveness of the network, adding that it was one of the organistions dear to her heart.

Lawson called on the network not to be too far away from the family, in view of his mother’s affection for the members while alive. He assured that the donations will be judiciously used.

“I can confirm and attest to the fact that your network was dear to the heart of my mother. She talked glowingly about Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Development Network, and it is on this note I want to profusely on behalf of the family once again appreciate you. Thank you so much and Jehovah bless you abundantly,” he said.

The Media Adviser of the late Iyalode of Yorubaland, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, who is the founder of Penpushing Media, equally expressed appreciation to the network, adding that he was equally aware that the deceased was much in love with the network.

“I have been with Iyalode for over 30 years, I can also attest to the fact that, Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Development Network was dear to her heart. We appreciate your gesture, and we pray that Iyalode will continue to rest in perfect peace.”

Kayode-Adedeji added, “My relationship with Iyalode Alaba Lawson added value to my existence. I have been with her for over 30 years, but death came to disrupt the family tie. I am pained, but if there is opportunity to keep relationship in heaven, when it is my turn to transit, I will continue with the relationship.

“I can authoritatively confirm that Lawson who I fondly called Iyalode of the universe was a pillar of support in my life. Iyalode Alaba Lawson was a genuine mentor and my first-class benefactor. Honestly, her exit is so painful, but I can attest to the fact that she came, she saw and she conquered.”

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