Maureen Okpe
As part of its commitment to fostering empowerment in marginalised communities, Flame Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, under the CINTA Widows Empowerment Programme, has donated food items, funds, and other materials to widows in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The outreach, carried out in Abuja, was in collaboration with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), The Lord’s Place, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Pastor Ola Omosebi, Lead Pastor of RCCG, The Lord’s Place, urged the Federal Government to make concerted efforts to enhance the current economic situation facing the country by deploying urgent solutions without altering long-term policies.
Pastor Omosebi emphasised that the church is following the example of Christ feeding 5,000 people during famine, while calling on the government to act swiftly to alleviate the suffering of the people.
“The major direction of this event is to have at least one day a year where widows are brought together and empowered with soft skills, business skills, enterprise skills, survival skills, and encouragement. One of the things this program offers is hope,” he said.
He also urged the government to support widows through sustainable initiatives and to provide a dedicated secretariat advocating for women, particularly widows, with government representatives.
“People are struggling to make ends meet, and the prolonged hardship is leading to depression, despair, and even death. The government must prioritize quick-fix solutions alongside long-term plans to restore hope and confidence in the economy,” he added.
Dr. Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat of the FCT Administration (FCTA), also spoke at the event. Benjamin-Laniyi who was represented by her Personal Assistant, Mrs. Kemi Samuel, expressed empathy for the resilient widows, noting that one cannot fully understand what it means to be in their shoes.
She celebrated the widows for their resilience and strength, acknowledging that amidst hardship and grief, they have shown a remarkable capacity to adapt.
“We are here to support one another. Let today be a reminder to encourage and uplift each other. It is an honor to celebrate strength, resilience, and community,” she said.
Benjamin-Laniyi noted that the event is a testament to the extraordinary courage and unwavering determination of everyone who has navigated the challenges of widowhood.
Aisha Baba Ringo, President of the Widows Organisation International FCT Chapter, advised widows to persevere and be hardworking. “Being a widow doesn’t mean all hope is lost; it is also not a stigma,” she said.
A beneficiary of the program, Ms. Oyeyemi Obende, described the program as educative, innovative, and supportive. She encouraged widows not to give up, even if the world looks down on them.
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Flame Initiatives was established to provide the disadvantaged, particularly the rural population, with relief materials, motivation, and empowerment to improve their physical and social well-being. Their main objective is to drive social change in communities by facilitating development in both the public and private sectors.