Sarah Dagah, ‘De Sele’ Jos (mother that helps of Jos) is a mother, a scholar, an accountant cum auditor, a philanthropist, a core entrepreneur as well as a strategic thinker and a mentor.
Born to the humble home of Dara Choji Pam of Fan District, in Barkin-Ladi local government area of Plateau State, the chartered accountant and Auditor is Married with two boys
With your qualifications and honours, one would have expected you to sit back and enjoy your accomplishment yet, you still engage in trading and other businesses, what prompted you to achieve this much and be doing what you are doing now?
Having learnt at an early age to make my own money from petty trading in varieties of commodities and other agricultural products, whenever I was on holidays from school, I made a tremendous progress by switching into selling of clothing in 2001 after raising a seed capital of N20, 000.00 to support my new-found scheme, which saw me travelling length and breadth of Nigeria to meet demand and supply. As a balanced multitask woman that was completely determined and, a well-Organized personality, I was able to combine petty trading, business, family and academics pari- passu to the hilt against all odds. I am a woman of divine endowments who ventured into production of polythene products in the year 2013 in Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. The passion which later moved me in 2016 to establish Wilval recycling in Jos, Plateau state; a business that has engaged dozens of Plateau youths which is my best of entrepreneurial activities because of the social and economic impact. This is an activity that recycles approximately 10 tons of Nylon Waste in a week and, it is anchored on the 3 R’s principle of Reduce, Re-use and Recycle thereby converting waste to wealth. It also rids Plateau and neighboring states of the menace of nylon waste by keeping the environment clean and safe.
What informed your decision to start an NGO?
I am passionate about Humanity; The less privileged which is the poor and vulnerable people and, to empower communities for Human Development. In the words of Jim Rohn, “Whoever renders service to many, puts himself in line for greatness-great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation and great joy”.
What are some of the challenges you have faced since you started the Sarah Dahah foundation?
In as much as one is passionate about Humanity; The poor and Vulnerable, Abuse of privilege is always a major challenge I have face. There are a lot of people out there, who want to cash out on the NGO with false claim of wanting to start an entrepreneurial activity in which at the end, non-will ever exit after being assisted with startup capital. Secondly, running a self-funding NGO comes with some challenges of inability to solve a certain percent like the needs of the less privileged as one requires. Often times, out of 100%, only 2% or 3% is met as at the time required.
Can you say that, you have been able to touch lives with your Foundation?
Well, to the best of our capability and strength being a self-funding NGO as it is now in my stage, I will say yes, I have touched lives.
In Nigeria, most people see NGOs and their founders as exploiters or political office seekers. What will make Sarah Dagah Foundation different from the rest?
You may be right when you say most people see NGO owners as exploiters or political office seekers and this is absolutely wrong. But the good thing is that, it is not all people that think so. we cannot generalize it because, it is not every giver that expects or wants a reward or pay back. The exploiters and political office seekers may be into NGO for a reward/payback/returns or whatever but, a giver with a giving heart as his/her vision comes with Grace and does not expect a token in return for any giving. Most people have asked “What is she seeking, looking for?. Some have said to my face “Sai kin yi” meaning you must do it. Some gossips that I hear daily “Don’t mind her, she keeps saying I am not interested in politics, we shall see” well, they will keep waiting because I have once said and still saying, I will not measure my vision with politics. If any opportunity unveils with an appointment to represent my people, if the appointment will promote my vision and support the cause humanity, I will gladly accept to serve but as for politics where my posters will fly up and down, count me out. I won’t get involved in politics.
Nigerian women have not been able to achieve the 35% affirmative action?
The women missed it when we allowed ourselves to be deceived that our place is in the kitchen. Many shun education. A lot refused to rise to add value to self. Some believe, it is a man’s world! Many out there are of the believe that, the women are merely for raising children. But I thank God that, these perception is changing.
What will it take for Nigeria to have more women in elective and appointive positions at both state and federal level?
When we encourage more partisan women in politics, when we support our fellow women to belief more in themselves, When the women rise and aspire to be educationally, socially and economically empowered, when women identify positive opportunities and grasp them to empower self. I believe we will get there soon.
Sarah smiling as she gaze deeply into the glorious future that awaits her
On the soft side, what is that habit that has become a major weakness for you?
My major weakness is believing everyone is good and kindhearted like I am which affects my expectation of people. Another weakness is, I trust people a lot and often times, I get hurt or betrayed by those I trust the most. I don’t hide my anger, I am very outspoken and have the tendency to give it back to whoever offends me. I don’t like keeping things or being vindictive. Once I say it, its over. I don’t know how to keep malice or harbor unforgiveness. Some see it as Emotional intelligence Management. I think it’s a major weakness.
What is your daily beauty routine?
I drink plenty of water. A key habit for maintaining general physical health aside basic skin care habit. I also apply Sunscreen on my face daily to keep it fresh. I make sure I eat healthy foods aside taking beauty supplements. Another thing I don’t miss is the use of facial cleanser before to Bed. I try to get enough sleep and at weekends shut down for total rest if I don’t have any engagements. I am also used to Moroccan bath and lotion and do an exfoliate once a week. I try to visit the SPA once a month.
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