Wazobia Widows Demand Empowerment as Governor’s Aids Campaign for Aiyedatiwa
A few days before the gubernatorial election, the Ondo State chapter of the Wazobia Widows Welfare Association called on the government to focus on empowering widows, rather than offering temporary handouts that do not stand the test of time.
The Ondo State Coordinator of the association, Chief Mrs. Sherifat Salaudeen Akamson, made this statement while hosting the State Commissioners for Women Affairs and Social Development, as well as her counterpart from the Ministry of Water Resources, Public Sanitation, and Hygiene, during a meeting with members in Akure, the state capital, over the weekend.
“We need empowerment. We just came from Lagos State, where all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory were inaugurated under the Director General, Ambassador Binta Ajoke Aminu, who is the founder,” Akamson said.
Akamson appealed that Wazobia widows should not be neglected, emphasizing that the members have been working for the Governor without receiving direct interaction. What they need now is empowerment, not mere handouts.
She pointed out that money given would eventually be spent, but empowerment—particularly in starting a business—would make the widows self-sufficient and independent, with long-term benefits that would outlast them.
Akamson further disclosed that the association has already trained its members in various professional trades, but the women now need financial empowerment to start businesses in the areas they have been trained.
She also appealed to well-to-do Nigerians and philanthropists to extend a helping hand in empowering the widows.
Akamson noted that the association is planning its inauguration ceremony in the state and would require the support of well-meaning Nigerians, philanthropists, and the government to ensure the success of the program. She disclosed that the members are spread across the 18 local government areas of the state, totaling over 500 members.
In separate reactions, the commissioners canvassed for massive voter turnout for the governor in the upcoming election on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation, and Hygiene, Sunday Akinwalire, urged Ondo citizens to vote for the governor to complete the good projects he has started.
According to him, Aiyedatiwa has generously approved the sum of ₦2.9 billion as counterpart funding for the water project in the central senatorial district, which he said will be extended to other senatorial districts.
“We are now beginning the physical components of the project. We have mapped out all our pipes, and we will ensure compensation for those whose properties will be affected. Within the next couple of months, water will be running throughout the nooks and crannies of the central senatorial district of Ondo State,” Akinwalire said.
He explained that the project aims to improve citizens’ quality of life by providing access to potable water.
While expressing satisfaction at seeing the widows’ radiant faces, Akinwalire praised the association as one that God has established. He called on well-meaning Nigerians to engage with the widows, listen to their concerns, and determine how both individuals and the government can assist them.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Developent Deaconess Lola Fagbemi represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Hon. Dr. Mrs. Seun Osamaye, spoke through the Special Assistant to the Governor on Trade Matters, Chief Mrs. Bolade Eko-Davies, prayed that God would continue to protect and bless the widows, urging them to remain more faithful than before.
She suggested that the group should liaise with the State Micro Credit Agency to access loans for their members at a no-commission rate, unlike what is offered by conventional banks.
She assured the widows that she would communicate with the commissioner to ensure their demands are conveyed to the governor, noting that the governor is a lover of women and always listens to the concerns of the people.
