The event, themed “Touch a Heart, It’s Christmas,” saw beneficiaries receive essential food items including bags of rice, garri, yams, cooking oil, and other assorted goodies, aimed at easing economic hardship during the festive season.
In addition, the foundation awarded scholarships to 20 children of widows, reinforcing its commitment to education and long-term empowerment.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Adekoya, one of the beneficiaries of the foundation’s scholarship programme, testified to the long-term impact of the initiative. She disclosed that her daughter, who benefitted from the Inside Out With Agatha Foundation scholarship, is currently in 400 level, adding that another student—her daughter’s friend—also benefited from the scheme and is likewise in 400 level. She described the scholarship support as life-changing and deeply impactful.
Speaking at the event, the Founder of IOWA Foundation, Agatha Amaka, urged participants and guests to always strive to touch at least one heart, no matter how small the gesture, especially during the Christmas season. She expressed appreciation to both first-time beneficiaries and widows who have consistently benefited from the initiative over the years.
Also speaking, the Project Coordinator of IOWA Foundation, Mrs Funmi Ayinla, applauded the widows for their resilience, courage, and perseverance despite life’s challenges, encouraging them to remain hopeful and united.
The event was further enlivened by the presence of veteran Nollywood actress Ajoke Silva, whose appearance added colour and warmth to the gathering. She led the widows in songs of praise to celebrate the year 2025 and advised them to remain thankful at all times.
Toyin Matthews led a session of inspirational worship and prayers, encouraging the widows to remain strong, hopeful, and unwavering in their faith.
Also present was female sports personality Chisom Mbonu-Ezeoke, who bonded warmly with the widows and shared joyful moments with them throughout the event.
The programme was expertly anchored by a multilingual and highly talented compere, Hanty Rebe, whose engaging delivery added vibrancy and seamless flow to the event.
One of the beneficiaries, a widow who spoke at the event, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the IOWA Foundation for its unwavering support throughout the year, describing the initiative as timely and life-changing for her family.
The annual empowerment programme remains one of the IOWA Foundation’s flagship humanitarian initiatives, focused on restoring dignity, spreading hope, and supporting widows and their children through practical and emotional support.
