Wazobia Widows Association Launches Oyo Chapter, Demands Better Welfare for Widows
The Wazobia Widows Welfare Association has inaugurated its Oyo State chapter and executive members in Ibadan, with stakeholders calling for increased support and empowerment for widows across the country.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held in the Oyo State capital, the Director-General and President of the association, Ambassador Dr. Binta Adejoke Aminu, urged widows not to relent in their efforts, assuring them that the benefits of belonging to the association would soon become evident.
She encouraged widows to remain patient and pay close attention to their health and medical wellbeing, while also appealing to governments, philanthropists and individuals with the means to support widows, whom she described as facing enormous challenges in society.
According to her, the association was established to bring widows out of isolation and improve their quality of life by creating an atmosphere of love, care and happiness.
Also speaking at the event, the Regional Director of the association and Mother of the Day, Ambassador Dr. Mrs. Omoniyi Ogodo Bach, commended the Southwest coordinators, the 33 local government coordinators and the Oyo state coordinator for successfully organising the programme.
She described the inauguration as a significant moment in the history and vision of the association, noting that the organisation was committed to giving widows hope and opportunities for self-development.
Bach identified several challenges confronting widows, including financial hardship, victimisation and humiliation.
She, however, assured members of her full support, announcing plans to engage legal services to address cases affecting widows.
She further disclosed that the association would organise leadership and mentorship training programmes in collaboration with reputable local and international agencies to empower widows.
Responding after receiving an award at the event, the Iya Oloja General of Oyo State, Chief Mrs. Titilope JP Raimi, described widows as women capable of managing their homes despite the loss of their spouses.
She encouraged widows to remain steadfast in raising and educating their children, while also advising the newly inaugurated executives to ensure transparency in the distribution of welfare packages to members.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Oyo State Coordinator of the association, Princess Bolatito Oyedele, appealed to governments, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support widows.
She stressed that empowering widows contributes to family stability and strengthens communities.
Oyedele disclosed that the association, established in 2024, was created to assist families thrown into hardship following the death of a husband.
According to her, the organisation empowers widows who are forced to assume the dual responsibilities of both father and mother, enabling them to sustain their families with dignity.
She highlighted some of the achievements of the Oyo State chapter to include establishing businesses for unemployed widows, providing financial support for struggling businesses, and organising vocational training for widows and their children in areas such as catering, POP ceiling installation, Kampala production, Adire making and GSM phone repairs.
She appreciated stakeholders for their continued support and urged them not to relent in assisting widows and vulnerable families.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians recognised for their humanitarian services and contributions to society.
