NCWS Advocates Special Treatment for Widows
As the Wazobia Widows Welfare Association joined others to mark International Widows Day, the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) has called on all stakeholders particularly the government, philanthropists, reputable organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to prioritise the welfare and empowerment of widows.
The State President of the umbrella body for women’s groups, Bishop Oluwaseyi Odusola, made the appeal while hosting executive members of the state chapter of the Wazobia Widows Welfare Association in Akure.
Odusola stressed that widows deserve special attention, noting that they make up a significant portion of many communities due to the loss of husbands, which occurs in nearly every family across neighbourhoods.
“The plight of widows is enormous. Most of them remain in a state of depression because it is difficult to keep the family running without a partner,” she said.
“They need to be cared for and supported so they can blend into society.”
She further expressed her readiness to continue supporting widows in any capacity possible.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the Wazobia Widows Welfare Association, Alhaja Sherifat Salaudeen, said the visit was to familiarise the association with the women’s council and to appreciate its ongoing support.
“We came to familiarise ourselves with you and to thank you for extending a hand of fellowship to our association, just as you have done to others,” she said.
Salaudeen, who noted that the association has members across all 18 local government areas of the state, appealed for inclusion in government projects and programmes to help alleviate the hardships faced by widows.
“We are over 200 members in Ondo State. We have trained our members in various skills and are seeking empowerment for them across different sectors,” she added.
Earlier, the State Secretary of the association, Fatima Muraina, said the group was committed to the welfare of widows, helping them become self-reliant and independent.
She expressed appreciation to the NCWS President for her exceptional leadership and dedication to women’s causes, especially her commitment to assisting the vulnerable.
