By Nneka Anoliefo
Widows have been urged not to despair, but to stand strong and place their faith and trust in God who is capable of changing any situation for the better.
The wife of the Governor, Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo, gave the advice during the official inauguration of the Precious Widows’ Association, Anambra State, which took place at Emmaus House, Awka, on Friday, 13th May 2022.
The governor’s wife, represented by the Commissioner for Women and Social Development, Mrs Ify Obinabo, hinted that Governor Charles Soludo is passionate about the welfare of Widows, urging them to explore various government intervention programmes aimed at alleviating their plight.
She enjoined them to form Co-operative Societies to be able to key into such empowerment programmes, and also advised them to ensure their qualified children register in the teachers’ recruitment exercise.
Dr Mrs Soludo enjoined widows to learn skills as well as encourage their children to so to too to be self-reliant
She harped on the need for widows to shun prostitution and discourage their children from all forms of vices, including the get the rich quick syndrome.
In her welcome address, the President of Precious Widows Association, Anambra State, Honourable Uju Izuakor, explained that the association pursues the welfare of Widows in the state and as well gets widows to learn skills ranging from oil processing, agriculture, hairdressing, beads making, fish farming, soap making among others, to be useful to themselves and society.
In their separate speeches, the mother of the Day, who is also the Vice President, South East, of the association, Lady Beatrice Maduagwu and Director, Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneur, Lady Ngozi Onyekwere, congratulated the widows and reminded them that widowhood is not a disability, hence the need for them to engage in meaningful business.
They stressed the need for the women to rebrand and repackage their products to attract customers or clients, for better patronage
Also contributing, the Chairperson Inauguration and Planning Committee, Mrs Ngozi Olieh, the Secretary, Princess Ngozi Nkwokocha, and the State Woman Leader, Mrs Amaka Emeka, among others, assured that they will remain hardworking, selfless as well champion the cause of Widowhood.
Launching and official inauguration of the association from all the Zones and Local governments in the state formed the high points of the event.
