As part of the activities to mark the year 2021 International Widows Day, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Alhaja Maryam Ogunlade has assured widows in the state of the government’s steady support.
Alhaja Ogunlade stated this in a statement made available to PMParrot during the week in Ado-Ekiti, stating that “Widows day was introduced by the United Nations in 2010 to address poverty and injustice faced by widows and their descendants in many countries.
She said that the theme of this year’s celebration tagged Invisible Women, Invisible Problems is apt and timely adding that neglecting widows under any guise may lead to unforeseen problems for the society.
Ogunlade stated that the Dr. Kayode Fayemi led-administration has always shown absolute commitment towards empowering widows as well as the protection of their rights.
According to her, the efforts of the state government at empowering them transcends distributing of food items like rice, beans, oil and other consumables that would leave them in limbo when the items are exhausted but include concrete empowerment kits for sustainable businesses.
Ogunlade further stressed that the empowerment programme is continuous, adding that numerous materials and start-up kits including electricity generators, grinding machines, sowing machines, driers and deep freezers had also been distributed to widows at various times.
She, however, solicited for the support of well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organizations in ensuring that widows across the nation live meaningful lives and properly raise their children.
She equally advised widows in the state to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the state government to improve their lots, stressing that they need to make themselves financially independent.
Packaged By Emmanuel Adeniran
