By Sunday Aikulola
As part of effort aimed at improving the quality of lives of Nigerians and bridging the poverty gap, a new organization called Eko Boys To Men (EB2M) was recently launched in Lagos amidst pomp and pageantry.
Speaking at the formal launch of the association and fundraising dinner, Chairman EB2M, Effiong Okon stated that government alone couldn’t tackle the myriads of nation’s problems. Today, he observed: ‘Nigeria is plagued with so many issues like insecurity, economic challenges and COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation. We are thinking how we can collaborate. We are starting with Lagos Island, where we all grew up.”
Speaking further, he disclosed that the organization is a network of young men who grew up in Lagos Island and asking what they could give back to their community.
He said, “we are looking how we can help the society, help people to live purposeful life, encourage the young and deprived. We are leaving a lasting legacy beyond our time on earth. We are raising N150 m to assist Lagos Island in the area of infrastructure, addressing poverty and reaching out to schools.”
Previously, he said: “We have done mentoring sessions and also provided borehole in schools where there is no water.’
Chairman of the event Chief Babajide Damazio commended the executives for the initiative.
He said: “I am very happy and I want to congratulate you for your dedication and passion.”
He recalled: “I met the young men in Abuja and office of the Chairman Lagos Island East some time ago and they told me that it’s an organization of some young guys who grew up in Lagos Island. I also grew up in Lagos Island. I cannot recall any organization in the past that have deemed it fit to take up this challenge.”
Damazio, who is also the Chairman Yoruba Tennis Club said he would partner with the association and advised the executives to reach out to corporate firms.
In her speech, mother of the day and Chairman at Lasaco Assurance PLC, Teju Phillips said the executives is made of combination of many tribes, noting that “this is what Lagos is known for. I wish each community in the country can emulate this gesture of giving back to the society. In the area of gender inclusion, I would like them to form Eko Girls 2 Women.”