I'd Rather be Self made - A Laudable Initiative

Linda Ikeji is a lifestyle and entertainment blogger with a huge following, familiar to many Nigerians. I came across an inspiring post by her today entitled 'i'd rather be self made'. What is remarkable about this post is that Linda intends to use 10 Million Naira of her own money, not money raised by charity, not money donated by anyone else, but her personal money made through hard work to set up a business development fund, and advisory service for young women who are interested in setting up legitimate businesses, and who would otherwise be tempted to sell sex for cash. Wow!!!! Talk about women empowering women. This is amazing and one of the most inspiring stories I have heard coming out of Nigeria in a long time.

Linda says and I quote, 'I definitely want to do this because I want to give back...God doesn't bless you for you alone or your family, He gives us so we can pay forward and touch as many lives as we can with His blessings. That's my belief, so I'm really excited to do this.'

And that is the key to a more equitable society. Yes the government has its part to play, but so do ordinary people like us. The messages of prosperity, preached in churches throughout the nation, need to be tempered with a call to give back. Through Linda's venture, some businesses will start and succeed. Livelihoods will be established, some young women will be saved from the treachery of 'Aristos' (a term for wealthy men who pay young girls, usually at university level for sex) and many will go on to lead confident, fulfilling lives, knowing that they have a choice, and they will pass this message on to their own daughters.

I hope that what Linda has done will spark a movement of people giving back. I hope that it brings about a spirit of sharing, and caring for the progress of others. And so, I will leave you with a paraphrased version of Linda's words, 'God doesn't bless us for us alone or our families, He gives us so we can pay forward and touch as many lives as we can with His blessings.'

Check out the original post here:
http://lindaikeji.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/linda-ikejis-id-rather-be-self-made.html