Funke Sodade is the founder of an NGO called Plycon Nigeria which is currently running a charitable event tagged FOOD FOR ALL.
In an Interview held with her at Epe-Lagos on the 11th of December 2013.We got to know more about her and what her NGO is into.

When did this project start?
The project kicked off in 2012. At first it was just a personal initiative, something I really wanted to do. I wanted to add value to the lives of people, I live in Bariga. So I began to give out food on my street. I spoke to the Shomolu Local Government Authority to give out some meals in their public primary schools so together we started doing Shomolu and Bariga Primary Schools. I also went further tell family and friends then corporate bodies. From there it just grew bigger and bigger.

In the spirit of Christmas, what will be your advice to others out there?
Christmas is a time when we celebrate what God gave to us. I will encourage every one to give and keep giving. Don’t just stop at Christmas. Give your time, love, Emotions. As a matter of fact, give all you can.

What is your view about being an NGO?
I didn’t set out to be an NGO. I have seen a need in my community and my desire is to meet that need as much as I can, God help me. So if I have to be an NGO to see that happen, then I will.

How do you like to present yourself?
I am simply a Nigerian who desires earnestly to see our country attain the greatness she has the potential for.

What would you not do in the name of an NGO?
I will not do anything that will bring shame to my God and my family, NGO or not!

What have been your challenges so far since you started this project?
I have been blessed to have met genuine people who continue to support this project. The challenge really for any community project is to connect with like minded people who will provide support-financial or  otherwise.

Is this what you do now for a living?
Not at all. I am a Physiotherapist and Health Consultant. I’m presently working towards specialisation in pre and post natal exercise prescription.

Has there been any criticism since you started?
Oh yes!  like ‘poor people are lazy, feeding them will only reinforce their laziness ‘, ‘you can’t make much of a difference, Nigeria has too many problems that are more important than hungry school children’, ‘It’s the government’s responsibility, let them be responsible’ and so much more!

How do you see meals for all in the next five to ten years?
We will have food centres in several LGAs across Nigeria and these centres will provide free meals and raw food rations to underserved Nigerians. I see us being supported by both local and international organisations. I see us partnering with similar agencies to provide nutritional support for malnourished mothers and under 5 children in rural communities.  I see growth and spread.

Who is your mentor?
God, simply. He leads me to wonderful people who help and guide me in this project.

Are you married, if no how do you combine your relationship and you professionalism?
yes I am happily married! Each day is a roller coaster but I’m grateful for all I have.

One last word for people expecting to have an NGO who are reading your story today?
My advice is that you focus on doing great things like touching lives around you, adding value to Nigeria, spreading hope and living passionately! The NGO is only a name, what you do with it is what counts.