…as NAWOJ holds International Widows’ Day
Nigerians have been urged to provide the needed support for every effort that could empower widows so that they can stand on their own when the unexpected happens.
The wife of a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Ondo state, Mrs Oluwadaisi Oke made the call at a programme organised by NAWOJ to mark the International Widows’ Day held on Friday June 23, 2023 in Akure.
Oke expressed that the such support should be that which could empower widows through skills aquisition to make them become independent and self-reliant.
The challenge, she said, is a challenge which must be seen as a call to serve humanity.
“In the Holy bible, God revealed in His word how special are the widows.
In 1st Timothy Chapter 5 verse 3,” He said; “Honour widows, they should trust in God and continue in supplication to God day and night.”
Oke described her partnership with NAWOJ as honouring God and bestowed same honour to widows so that they will trust God and continue in prayers and supplications to Him who is the creator of heaven and earth”.
She appreciated NAWOJ for organising the programme and urged them not to relent in their support for the widows.
“What we have done here today is that we have all decided to act as stipulated by God in the book of Timothy that charged us to honour widows.
“It is in recognition of this injunction, that we have, through the token we have provided, identified with you on this special occasion set aside to celebrate you.
“I pray that God will continue to comfort you. He will never cease to be the source of your joy and sustenance”, she prayed.
In her remarks, the NAWOJ National Financial Secretary , Mrs Adeola Adekunle opined that the international widow’s day is set aside to celebrate the widows, pray for them, eradicate injustices facing them and fight poverty.
According to her, NAWOJ owes it a duty to cater for the less privileged, women, children, the widows and the vulnerable in particular in its own little way.
While encouraging the widows to accept the gifts with love, she also advised them not to hesitate to approach the office the State council of NAWOJ whenever they are facing any challenge or injustice.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Acting Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Tola Gbadamosi, described Widow’s Day as a day to remember widows and reach out to them.
She said NAWOJ is out to encourage them to be strong, no matter how tough the situation might be, saying that whatever happens to one in life is as a result of what God destined and not anybody’s making.
“All you need to do is to stand firm, be steadfast and put all your hope in Him,” she said.
She however appreciated Mrs Oke, Engr. Ife Oyedele and other kind-hearted individuals for their contributions towards the success of the event.
Mrs Olayinka Oluwatuyi, charged the widows to be strong, hardworking and strive hard to take care of their children.
Also, Mrs Nnena Sotounwa, admonished the widows to always pray, put their hope in God and endeavor to ensure that their children have good education.
