The Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, has pledged maximum support of the present administration towards the welfare of the less privileged in the society, particularly, the widows.
Mrs. Abiodun who gave the pledge at the 2019 celebration of the International Widows’ Day, held at the June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta, said the event was organized to associate with widows across the State and encourage them to have hope for a better tomorrow.
According to her, she was more concerned on the plight of widows in the State, promising to proffer solutions to their problems and that the administration has lined up some programmes for their welfare.
The Wife of the Governor listed the programmes to include; creation of a database of all widows in the State, a quarterly meeting with them in their LGAs to monitor and track their development, organise workshop for the widows below the age of fifty-five on financial literacy and skills to manage personal and household finances, as well as to develop and manage business activities.
Earlier in her welcome address, The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. (Mrs.) Ranti Oladeinde, explained that loss of partner was not just a physical loss but emotional trauma, noting that individuals and society at large have the responsibilities of giving support to such people, so as to enhance their well-being.
Represented by the Director of Social Welfare Services, Mr. Olumide Sotubo, she emphasized the pledge of the present administration towards citizens’ welfare, which she said would ensure that the vulnerable and widows across the state enjoy adequate support at every point in time, saying, ‘’when there is life, there is hope’’.
“The demonstration of commitment towards the welfare of the people of Ogun State, especially the vulnerable and the widows by Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration cannot be over emphasized, irrespective of location and economic status, no one would be left out”.
The event had the panellists’ session of five widows, who took turn to share their experiences after the demise of their husbands
A retired nursing sister, Mrs. Adetola Kadiri, who lost her husband some sixteen years ago, advised widows to build courage and struggle to nurture their children, who would later help lessen the burden, when they are self sufficient.
Also in her own recount, Mrs. Mosunmola Oyefesobi, admonished them to hold steadfastly to God, adding that nothing could be done without the help of God.
