Foundation reiterates commitment to support widows in Nigeria

Helpline Foundation for the Needy has reiterated its commitment to improving the lives of widows in Nigeria by supporting and creating more awareness about their plights.

The president and founder of the Helpline Foundation for the Needy, Dr Jumai Ahmadu reiterated this at an event to commemorate the 2023 International Widows Days and the 20th anniversary of the foundation, in Abuja.

Ahmadu said that the foundation remained resolute in supporting vulnerable women and widows, who most often suffer several forms of abuse, resulting in poverty.

She said it was important to raise awareness of the plights of widows who face all sorts of injustices, ranging from discrimination to cultural, political, and social segregation.

She said: “Surely, widows deserve more from us, corporate organisations, the international community, and the governments.

“Through our work at the Helpline Foundation for the Needy, we have so far committed 20 years to empowering the less privileged.

“We continue to empower widows by providing them access to skills and acquisition training, non-profit loans, and economic opportunities.

“We are of the firm conviction that by leveraging innovation and technology, we will not only uplift the widows but also bridge the gender gap, thus creating a much more inclusive society for widows, women, and girls,” she stated.

Ahmadu added that it is necessary to rebuild the lives of widows in the country, help them regain their confidence, and break free from the cycle of poverty.

“Do not forget that every positive action we take, no matter how small, has the power to create a positive change in the lives of widows and vulnerable women,” she added.

The event featured the launch of the book, titled ‘Rise from the Ashes’, and the premier of the documentary, ‘Ajadu’, with both telling the stories of the plights of widows.

In his goodwill message, Mr. Chidi Odia, Nigeria Film Cooperation said the enormous work that has been done in the past twenty years and volunteered to be a part of the Helpline Foundation for the needy.

Some of the widows also spoke on the benevolence of Dr Jumai Ahmadu and called for more support.

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