“Because I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed. If I fall, no one will say, “She doesn’t have what it takes.” They will say, “Women don’t have what it takes,” – Clare Boothe Luce
In administration, in politics, in decision making, as far as Nigeria is concerned, women have entered professions generally considered to be men’s job.
One of such jobs is politics and one woman defying the odds in a male-dominated field is Princess Surah O. Animashaun (PSOA).
She won sha! Where men are? How will she cope? We are watching. And so, it was with mixed feeling that people greeted PSOA’s assumption to office as Executive Chairman of Epe LGA, especially because of her gender and the demands of the office.
However, with time, the reaction has been quite overwhelming. Aye ope yo!
PSOA, who despite the enormous challenges she met on ground, has through her ingenuity, experience, dedication, selflessness, hardwork and focus, clearly transformed Epe LGA to the delight of viewers and stakeholders at both the local and state level.
We are not surprised by your numerous and never-before-witnessed achievements in Epe because you had proved your mettle since your sojourn into politics as Supervisor for Environment; helping Epe clinch the award of the neatest LGA.
Today, even PSOA’s critics have admitted the fact the political juggernaut and shining star of Epe has done everything humanly possible to turn around the fortunes of Epe LGA among other LGAs in Lagos State.
You paid the price, you daunted all odds, and you were focused on leaving remarkable trail and legacy behind. One unique thing about you, PSOA, is that you have consistently used every opportunity at your disposal to add value to Epe LGA. Your achievements in areas of health, education, security and welfare speak volume. Do we start mentioning specifics such as the empowerment of countless number of youths, women groups, award of scholarships, renovation and construction of classrooms, employment creation, and distribution of food items amongst many philanthropic gestures.
Were it not so, those who doubted your ability won’t be your greatest supporter today; those who now repose confidence in you would have been singing a new song and beating a new drum.
Daily, you continue to earn the love and admiration of those you serve with your progressive strides.
We celebrate you today not because there’s a special occasion, but because in an era where trust in public figures is often tested, you stood tall as a beacon of hope and integrity, surpassing expectations with your unrivaled achievements within the span of 4 years.
Notable projects under the Princess Surah O. Animashaun’s administration include the construction of a block of seven classrooms at Army Children’s School, the renovation of the Epe Customary Court, and the construction of Salaibu Lamidi Street, now equipped with solar-powered streetlights. Other achievements include the complete renovation of the Legislative Chambers, the construction of Ayetoro Market with 100 multi-purpose shops and 175 key clamp stalls, construction of 8 units public toilet, construction of 5 boreholes and the ongoing construction of Olalekan Kila Street, Prince Street, Otunba Layi Giwa Street, Dipe Shina Street, Ongoing construction of ultra-modern multi-purpose hall, construction of a wooden Jetty at Ebute Araromi in Ladaba, Igboapawa, and Take Nla Village.
Other construction projects are: “Construction of 10 units of doctors’ lodge, a 475-meter road stretch construction on Adewale Logun Street and ongoing construction of Museum and Library Center.
Additionally, Hon. Animashaun has introduced welfare programs such as the ‘Epe Food Bank Initiative,’ which provides quarterly food supplies to over 5,000 low-income households. The “Healthcare Outreach “program offers free medical services to rural communities, free medical bills for the indigent people while the “Women, Men, and Youth Empowerment” scheme provides skills training and entrepreneurship support to help residents achieve economic independence and also empowered, distributed farm tools to 200 farmers in Epe LGA, distribution of Annual GCE and JAMB Forms, Back-to-School packages, and scholarship award for the indigent students, promotion of Epe Alaro Tourism and Inter-trade relationship by facilitating ample marketing and representation at two major tourism programs (Akwaaba African Travel Market at Eko Hotel & Expo 2020 in Dubai, Commemoration of World Tourism Day, 2021, the unveiling of the new face of Epe Tourism, and the launch of the Waterfront facilities at the Epe Marina, rehabilitation, registration and professional training of all local security bodies within the Epe community (OPC & Ibile) to curb security threats, promote more accountability and safety, provision of utility vehicles to the Ibile Security Team, clearing and rehabilitation of drainage systems within Epe Local Government to stop incessant flooding.
Through these projects and programs, Princess Surah’s administration has transformed Epe, making it a hub for economic growth, better infrastructure, and social development.
This saying from the play King Henry the Fourth, Part Two, by William Shakespeare “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” resonates with every leadership position but Hon. (Princess) Surah O. Animashaun keeps defying the odds with her remarkable achievements regardless of the challenges.
Overall, Princess Surah O. Animashaun’s leadership has been a game-changer for Epe LGA, and her re-election for a second term (PSOA BEYOND 2025) is well-deserved.
Thank you for putting Epe back on the right track amd making her relevant again.
PSOA BEYOND 2025
