The 10000- Giving Back with Sujimoto

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 7^th 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 8^th 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

For more images from the event visit: 
https://www.flickr.com/photos/132469463@N02/sets/