The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), South-West zone, has organised an empowerment programme for widows in the zone to commemorate the International Widows’ Day.
The event, which was held on June 23, 2018, at St. Michael’s Anglican Cathedral, Esiele, Oyo State, featured workshops, skill acquisition seminars, as well as donation of items to thewidows.
Most Reverend Kehinde Stephen of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Archdiocese of Ibadan, in his address read by the Programme Director, CCN, South-West zone, Reverend Oluwasegun Babalola, highlighted the plight of widows and restated the need for the government to make the welfare ofwidows a priority.
Bishop Williams Aladekugbe of the Anglican Diocese of Oyo, who was represented by Venerable Moses Olawole, prayed for God’s strength and grace upon thewidows.
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The guest speaker, Professor M.O. Sanni, spoke on the theme: Overcoming Challenges of Christian Widowhood, and urged widows to be financially responsible and take action to cater to their welfare and that of their children.
She also noted the need for a Widows Advocacy Society, more empowerment initiatives, as well as government support to improve widows’ welfare.
Mrs Adenike Adedeji, a lawyer, gave legal counsel to thewidows on adoption, administering wills, and dealing with banks, while Dr Femi Bammeke, narrated his experience being a widower, and urged thewidows to be hardworking and trust God in all circumstances.