Punch

I didn’t feel fulfilled until I joined military – Koya, US-based Nigerian classical singer

[as originally published on punchng.com]

Ms Abiodun Koya is a Nigerian-born US-based operatic singer and founder of Abiodun Koya Foundation. She tells ALEXANDER OKERE how she uses her musical talent to influence lives

In addition to your career as a professional singer, you run a charity organisation to empower girls and women. How did you develop interest in charity?

I started Abiodun Koya Foundation as a non-profit organisation. I believe every human being’s core purpose in life is dedicated service to humanity and I have found my passion in humanitarian work. I got that from my father. He loves using his resources to help the underprivileged and the poor.

That was what was instilled in me at a very young age and when I grew up, somehow, I felt compelled to continue the good works of my dad through my foundation. For me, I feel that women are underrepresented anywhere in the world. Women are strong yet they are vulnerable.

I am a woman and I have a first-hand experience in this. With where I am, my position, my platform and the resources that I have, I still encounter limitations in certain areas, let alone women who don’t even have one-tenth of my resources, education, enlightenment, and boldness. I can’t imagine how life is for them. I believe I came into this world to sing but there is nothing else that gives me happiness other than helping the underprivileged.

Truly and genuinely, this is just me. I imagine this world as a garden planted by God where every human being is a flower and there are harsh atmospheric conditions. If you, as a flower standing next to me, are okay and have enough water, you should be able to water me so that I can also blossom and have the lifespan God Almighty has given us… READ FULL ARTICLE HERE