It was an helluva of celebrations and songs of praise from widows as the Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, Barrister Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe put smiles on their faces at the third phase of N100 Million Kosofe Local Government empowerment initiative programme.
The 3rd phase dubbed “Widow Support” is a segment where 250 widows within the Council were supported with #100,000 each totalling #25 Million.
The public spirited Kosofe Council Chairman had so far dolled out #75 million to the residents comprising of general public, artisans/traders and widows. The last segment would be for the lucky 250 youths who would also cart away the last #25 Million.
Speaking with a tinge of overwhelming emotion, Madam Abosede Fikayo, one of the beneficiary widows said she was still thinking of where to get money for the celebration of Christmas, when this opportunity knocked at her door. ” I never believe this would happen until l saw the alert of #100,000. This is marvelous. I want to thank Moyo for this gift, may God Almighty continue to guide him in all his undertakings” she prayed fervently.
In a similar vein, an elderly widow from Ojota who simply called herself Madam Abike said her husband’s relatives have abandoned her for a long time. She was full of praises to Barrister Moyosore Ogunlewe for his timely intervention as Christmas is fast approaching ,” May he continue to fly higher and higher. Everything he lays his hands on shall prosper” she prayed
In his keynote address, the Executive Chairman, Kosofe Local Government, Barrister Moyosore Ogunlewe
reiterated the significance of the day’s event as a special honour for the resilience, strength, and dignity of all the widows in Kosofe Local Government Area. Ogunlewe reminded the guests present at the event that the third phase of his administration’s ₦100 Million Empowerment Scheme which covered the distribution of ₦25 Million to 250 widows should not be perceived as charity, but as recognition of the inherent worth of the women who have bored the task of managing the heavy yoke left behind by their departed soulmates.
Said he, “as Helen Keller beautifully expressed the cliche. Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming of it. Our dear widows, you embody this truth. Despite the hardship of bearing the burden of family alone, you’ve persevered, raised children, sustained households, and contributed meaningfully to our communities”.
The Council’s number one man explained that Society often overlooks the plight of widows by relegating them to the fringe of economic activities. He said the empowerment initiative, was a way of supporting them for their resilience and perseverance, saying widows should not be seen from the prism of pity but from window of empathy.
” Widows”, he emphasized, “are not supposed to be objects of pity”, Ogunlewe restated, ” they are economic agents, entrepreneurs, and pillars of family stability. This financial support should catalyse business ventures, enhance existing enterprises, and create sustainable income streams”, he explained further.
Following the successful distributions of the same financial help to the general public, artisans and traders, Ogunlewe said today’s epoch making event focus on widows which reflects the Administration’s commitment to inclusive prosperity. The Council’s boss added further,
“We recognize the empowerment of our women, particularly vulnerable widows as mean of creating multiplier effects, transforming families, educating children, and strengthening communities”.
He enjoined all the beneficiaries to invest wisely, expand the frontier of their businesses, and become testimonials of transformation.
Earlier, the Head of Administration, (Council’s Manager), Mrs. Mosunmola Otaiku-Okoka welcomed all the invited dignitaries and enjoined the widows to see the financial assistance as Ogunlewe’s heart of gold to give back to the community for their unalloyed support and backing. She advised them to use the money wisely, judiciously rather than frivolously.
The one month long programme would be rounded up with another #25 Million Empowerment initiative for 250 youths in Kosofe.