This Eastertide we celebrate women who excel in their chosen professions and are giving back to the community. One of them, Ukpevo Faith, a serving corp member in this interview with Stellamaries Amuwa, talks about how she became inspired to pick up the project of fencing the cemetery after a Community Development Service (CDS) cleaning she and her colleagues embarked on at the Durumi cemetery in Abuja.
What inspired you into picking up this project?
Faith: I was inspired to pick up this project after a CDS cleaning we had at the Durumi cemetery. I saw how the place looked so unkept and used as a dump site with some graves already tampered with. It was an eyesore! I was moved to ask questions. I realized that funds and manpower were the major factors hindering the perimeter fence from being raised, even by the community.
Give us an estimated cost of this project?
Faith: We are not just looking at the funds to be raised. Materials and labour can be donated or contributed to raise the perimeter fence. The quotation I received from the community leaders includes _
i) 8,800 blocks = #4,840,000
ii) 200bags ofcement=#2,300,000
iii) 8tons of fine
iv) aggregates=#760,000
v) Gates = #880,000
vi) Access to water = #600,000
vii) Labor = #11,400,000
viii) Transportation = 600,000
ix) Barbwire = 200,000
x) Total = N21,280,000
Did you consult with your parents before embarking on the project?
Faith: Yes I did, and they where surprised and asked why I picked such a huge and massive project. I told them how the place looked porous and dirty. Also how bad I felt when I lost my dear uncle last year and wondered how bad it would be if he was buried at this exposed cemetery turned refuse dump. I told them it is my own little way of giving back to my country with my little effort. I believe that as God has put it in my heart, he will put it in my hands to accomplish.
What do you stand to gain?
Faith: I believe in Gods blessings and for every good work of kindness and show of love and respect, God honors every bit of it. In the light of celebrating Jesus death and resurrection I sow this as a seed to humanity and pay respect to the departed.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10years
Faith: In the next 10yrs, I see myself married with kids and pursuing my career in business and accounting.
What’s your driving force?
Faith: My driving force is giving to the society and humanity and creating a benchmark for the upcoming generation to see and follow. I look forward to doing more of this projects even after my service year by the grace and mercy of God.
*Do you have sponsors for your project?
Faith: Yes, we have proposed sponsors but we need more to accomplish the task beautifully. It is a huge project needing over N20 million from the quotation I got from experts. My team and I have submitted proposals to organizations and individuals for assistance. We are getting positive responses. Organizations and individuals are promising to support and sponsor the initiative partly. No fund nor material had been received yet. We are hoping to get more support from well meaning Nigerians to accomplish the task.
What stands you out among your peers?
Faith: Always being industrious, purpose driven and a goal getter.
What is your philosophy?
Faith: I believe in giving and how you are being blessed through the act. No one gives with the right intentions and get bankrupt.
* What makes you happy?
Faith: Music. I am into gospel music(chorister) and the fact that it helps me relax in anxiety. I love seeing people smile and I love seeing people happy and that is why I give, at every opportunity I get to give.
* What did you study in the University and why?
Faith: I studied Accounting in the University and that was majorly bcs of how the profession looks decent and recognized globally and our daily life. Accounting is a prestigious course or line of study to shape our minds to successful existence.
* Your state of origin and which institution did you graduate from?
Faith: I am from Delta state and I graduated from University of Abuja.
* Who are your parents?
Faith: Mr Samuel and Mrs Bolanle Ukpevo.
* Why did you choose this project, why not something else?
Faith: I want to bring to the hearts of men that we will all die one day if Jesus tarries, and be buried too. So while we are on this earthly pilgrimage, we should give respect to those that are gone. Remember that they were once like us and we will one day be like them, when we go to our Father in Heaven.
* How old are you?
Faith: I will be 25years old in two weeks time, May 2, 2005.
Have you been in touch with the authorities to know what they think about your project
Faith: Yes I have, and they think it is a brilliant idea. They gave me the approval and they are willing to give me their support.
* Who is your role model?
Faith: My mom. She had always seen giving to humanity as a way of life. She runs a school and you could see the passion she has in seeing these children grow to be a better version of themselves. In over 13yrs the school has been, she has giving over 100 students scholarship and by Gods grace I picked a student too there and I’m paying part of her fees from my savings. I have been paying now for almost a year. So as this students to not drop out and be on the street aimlessly.
* What is your most cherished moment?
Doing something good to someone and then he/she smiles.
