...As 2025 International Widows’ Day is marked with grants and skills training
In commemoration of the 2025 International Widows’ Day, the Ondo State Government has empowered 200 widows with startup grants of ₦50,000 each and enrolled them in various vocational training programmes aimed at promoting economic independence and self-reliance.
The initiative, themed Odatiwa Widows Care, was officially launched on Friday at the Babafunke Ajasin Auditorium, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Akure.
Representing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the event, the Special Adviser on Women Affairs and Commissioner-designate, Dr. Seun Bosede Osamaye, stated that the programme reflects the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and social welfare under the EASE Agenda of Mr. Governor.
“This year’s theme, ‘Empowering Widows: Building Resilience, Restoring Dignity’, aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Odatiwa Widows Care programme,” Dr. Osamaye said. “Beyond symbolic gestures, this initiative provides widows with tangible support—both financial and vocational—empowering them to lead productive, dignified lives.”
According to her, each of the 200 selected widows received ₦50,000 alongside practical training in trades such as catering, tailoring, and soap-making. She revealed that over 800 widows participated in the event, many of whom are also scheduled for training in the coming weeks.
“No one will go home empty-handed,” Dr. Osamaye assured, adding that the Aiyedatiwa-led government is deeply committed to ensuring no woman in Ondo State is left in poverty or despair.
Highlighting the broader vision of the programme, she noted that its goal extends beyond poverty alleviation.
“It is about restoring purpose, dignity, and a sense of belonging to widows who have long been neglected by society,” she said.
Several beneficiaries shared emotional testimonies of how the initiative would transform their lives.
Mrs. Bosede Alade, a tailoring entrepreneur, expressed gratitude, saying: “This is the first time I’ve received any support from the government. With this grant, I will revive my tailoring business.”
Another widow, Mrs. Florence Ojo, who enrolled in the soap-making training, described the programme as a fresh start: “This is not just money—it’s hope and dignity.”
The launch also featured practical demonstrations from the training modules, as well as testimonials from previous beneficiaries of similar empowerment initiatives.
Also present at the event was Prophetess Atinuke Witherspoon, Member, House of Assembly (Owo Constituency II), and Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, who represented the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, as the Special Guest of Honour.
In her remarks, she lauded the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at reducing poverty and empowering marginalised citizens.
“This is yet another bold step by the Aiyedatiwa administration to ensure no woman is left behind,” she said, praising the launch of Odatiwa Widows Care as a milestone in the state’s social development efforts. She also admonished the widows to make judicious use of the startup grants provided by the government.
