On Monday, the Edo Government provided livelihood tools to 365 widows throughout the state in honor of International Widows Day.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), these empowerment packages aim to equip widows with the necessary skills and resources to initiate and maintain small businesses. In Benin, the distributed items included grinding machines, sewing machines, popcorn machines, and 5kg gas cylinders.

Also, other items distributed comprised 80-litre coolers with umbrellas and chairs, hand dryers, cash support, and Point of Sale (POS) machines from Opay and Zenith.

The focus of the program was on ‘Access to Justice and Empowerment for Vulnerable Widows.’

Chief Olabisi Idaomi, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, stated that this initiative would assist widows in generating income and enhancing their quality of life.

Idaomi added that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s goal was to empower widows to become self-sufficient and economically active by providing them with these resources.

She noted that the program would have a beneficial effect on the participants by enabling them to start and sustain their businesses.

According to her, this initiative would boost their confidence and enable them to contribute to the growth of their families and communities.

She stressed that the empowerment program would be a continuous effort under Okpebholo’s guidance to fight against poverty.

She urged widows facing abuse or neglect to contact the ministry for help and intervention.

Idaomi also thanked Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, and Mr. Peter Dunia for their support.

Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, who oversees the Governor’s wife’s office, pointed out the importance of supporting widows.

Speaking on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Hajia Nimata Ikhilor, she condemned harmful practices related to widowhood.

She described these practices as “obnoxious and inhumane” and called for their complete eradication.

She urged all parties involved to ensure that widows are treated with dignity, empowered, and included in society.

The Chairperson of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) for Edo, Mrs. Helen Agbonika, also pledged to offer support.

She noted that her husband, CP Monday Agbonika, would use his position to combat domestic violence against widows.

Mr. Jolly Ogbeide, the Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Council, mentioned that his administration recognizes and will address the injustices faced by widows.

He promised that the council is ready to collaborate with relevant organizations to restore hope to the affected widows.

Evangelist Ann Okoduga shared how her mother struggled to raise them after their father died.

She recounted that her mother gathered firewood to sell, while some of her siblings worked as house helps to support the family.

Okoduga stated that she now provides food for around 350 widows each year and plans to organize another outreach on December 12.

NAN reports that the Edo Government’s empowerment program shows its commitment to protecting and uplifting vulnerable groups.

Participants noted that providing livelihood assistance to widows would improve their living standards and stimulate economic growth across the state.

(NAN)