FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY t
Edo State government has taken a significant step towards supporting 365 widows, by distributing empowerment tools to mark the International Widows Day.
The empowerment packages were designed to equip the widows with the necessary skills and resources to start and sustain their own businesses.
The empowerment packages distributed on Monday in Benin to the widows include: grinding, sewing and popcorn pachines, and 5kg gas cylinders.
Others are 80-liter coolers with umbrellas and chairs, hand dryers, cash support and Point of Sale, PoS, machines (Opay and Zenith).
The theme: of the programme is “Access To Justice and Empowerment for Vulnerable Widows”.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Olabisi Idaomi said the objective of the programme is to provide widows with the means to generate income and improve their socio-economic well-being.
Idaomi noted that by providing these tools and resources, Senator Okpebholo has empowered them to become self-reliant and contribute to the economic development of their families and communities.
“The empowerment programme is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the widows, enabling them to start and sustain their own businesses.
“It will also help them to generate income and improve their economic well-being, and become self-reliant and confident.”
According to her, the empowerment is going to be on a regular basis, as Governor Okpebholo wants to put an end to suffering and poverty.
She stated that the ministry remains steadfast in protecting and supporting widows, encouraging them to report to the ministry, anytime they are maltreated.
She, however, commended the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh and Mr Peter Dunia for their support.
On her part, the Coordinator, Office of the Governor’s Wife, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, emphasized the need to support widows who often face significant challenges, including poverty, social isolation and lack of access to justice.
Represented by the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Hajia Nimata Ikhilor, she called for an end to Harmful Widowhood Practices, HWP, describing them as “obnoxious and inhuman treatment” that dehumanizes women.
She ended with a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to create a society where widows are valued, respected and empowered to live fulfilling lives.
The Chairperson, Police Officers Wives Association, POWA, Edo Command, Mrs Helen Agbonika, promised to utilise her husband’s office (CP Monday Agbonika, the Edo Commissioner of Police) to fight domestic violence against widows and support vulnerable individuals.
The Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Council, Mr Jolly Ogbeide, said the council recognises the barriers and injustice faced by widows.
Narrating her ordeal, Evangelist Ann Okoduga said she witnessed her mother’s suffering when her father passed away.
According to her, her mother would go into the bush to gather firewood and sell it for their survival.
She added that some of her siblings were not just house maids, but servants for survival.
She, however, noted that she now feeds up to 350 widows every December, adding that this year, on December 12, she will host widows.
“The state government’s empowerment programme for widows is a commendable initiative that demonstrates its commitment to support vulnerable groups in the society.”
She said by providing livelihood support to widows, government can help improve their socio-economic well-being and promote economic development in the state.
