Princess Adedolapo Adeyemi is a successful businesswoman and philanthropist. In this interview, she speaks on the rationale behind her generosity to people in the society and sundry issues. Excerpts:
Can you tell us about yourself?
My name is Princess Adedolapo Adeyemi. I own a couple of companies. I’m an interior decorator. I do shortlets and I also have an NGO. I really love the fact that the little I have I love to share with people. I am not very rich but to the glory of God, the God of Oshoffa, our father has been merciful to me. The country has been so hard for us, but for most people it is a hurdle. So, I just believe if you have a penny to share with your neighbour, it would give you a sort of fulfillment and peace that you can make other people smile; from the little grain you have, you share it with them. So, with the way the country is all through the year, when I got in about two or three weeks ago, I just told my Shepherd, ‘Daddy, this is what I am thinking of doing’ and he responded. We do that every year, but this year it was more of physical cash than helping them set up businesses. I just thought widows can use the money to start a little thing. It may not be much but at least it will give them something to take care of their well-being and be able to survive day to day.
I really love the fact that the little I have I love to share with people. I am not very rich but to the glory of God, the God of Oshoffa, our father has been merciful to me. The country has been so hard for us, but for most people it is a hurdle. So, I just believe if you have a penny to share with your neighbour, it would give you a sort of fulfillment and peace that you can make other people smile; from the little grain you have, you share it with them. So, with the way the country is all through the year, when I got in about two or three weeks ago, I just told my Shepherd, ‘Daddy, this is what I am thinking of doing’ and he responded. We do that every year, but this year it was more of physical cash than helping them set up businesses. I just thought widows can use the money to start a little thing. It may not be much but at least it will give them something to take care of their well-being and be able to survive day to day
How much did you give this year to charity?
We supported about seven widows and gave them N200,000 each. Like I said, it is not much, but at least it is something that would make them smile. With the harvest on the ground, they are all in a joyful mood and I would like to see them smile.
Let’s talk about the harvest. What can you say about it?
In my church’s international headquarters, we are very good at empowering people. We do that often. It’s not a one-off thing and it’s not only about the harvest but why it is obvious is because it is happening around the harvest season. But we like to make people smile. There is joy in giving, there is a sort of peace that comes with it.
What is your take about giving in the church?
The church as a whole is doing it for love, your sisters and brothers. If you can make one person smile from the little you have, it will go a long way. We are spreading the love, it is good because this economy hits everybody, both the old and young, even the rich and low class, everybody is feeling the heat. But we are just getting by. When you come to church you are happy, when you are depending on God and you just have this faith that all will be okay.
How old is the harvest now?
This is the 43rd harvest and we are full of joy and are very happy. From last year to this year, I for one, I’m a testament of God’s mercy and grace. I would not deny it. There has been a significant change in my life from the previous year till date. I am grateful that by his mercy I am here today. This time, we are just being grateful; it’s about gratitude.
In my church’s international headquarters, we are very good at empowering people. We do that often. It’s not a one-off thing and it’s not only about the harvest but why it is obvious is because it is happening around the harvest season. But we like to make people smile. There is joy in giving, there is a sort of peace that comes with it
Let’s talk about your NGO. What is it about?
It is called Eshinlaye, an organisation where we lend a helping hand and make people smile. When you look at a rainbow you smile, it is beautiful, the calm after the storm, after the rain; whatever it is you are going through, just know there is a rainbow at the end of the storm. So, when you look at it, that is how we want people to feel giving back to the society and helping to build the youth, and encouraging them. There is always a way out.
