NOCRELA empowers 100 widows, orphans in Bauchi

The Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA), Bauchi State Chapter, in partnership with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Bauchi State on Christian Affairs, Pastor Dr Ambassador Zaka Luka Magaji, on Sunday, commemorated the 2026 International Widows Day with a one-day prayer rally and empowerment programme for widows and orphans.

The event, held in Bauchi, brought together religious leaders, community stakeholders, women groups, youths, and beneficiaries in a demonstration of faith, compassion, and commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society.

As part of activities marking the day, more than 100 widows and orphans benefited from empowerment support, including food grains, financial assistance, and other relief materials designed to ease economic hardship and improve their quality of life.

International Widows Day, observed annually on June 23, serves as a global reminder of the challenges faced by millions of widows worldwide, including poverty, discrimination, social exclusion, and limited access to economic opportunities.

The commemoration seeks to amplify their voices and encourage governments, institutions, and communities to provide greater support and protection for widows and their families.

Speaking at the event, NOCRELA Leader, Dr. Mrs. Mercy John, emphasised that caring for widows and orphans is not merely a humanitarian responsibility but also a biblical mandate and moral obligation that reflects the values of love, justice, and compassion.

The prayer rally featured intercessory prayers for peace, unity, good governance, economic recovery, and the well-being of families in Bauchi State and Nigeria. Special prayers were also offered for widows and orphans facing various social and economic challenges.

Participants were encouraged to remain steadfast in faith and hopeful despite life’s difficulties.

They were reminded that they are valued members of society whose contributions and dignity must be recognised and protected.

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NOCRELA further called on government agencies, development partners, faith-based organisations, philanthropists, and community leaders to strengthen initiatives that promote the welfare, empowerment, education, healthcare, and economic inclusion of widows and orphans.

The assembly reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for vulnerable groups and promoting programmes that foster social cohesion, human dignity, and community development across Bauchi State and the Northern region.

The organisation expressed appreciation to all partners, volunteers, donors, and supporters whose contributions made the outreach successful, noting that collective action remains essential in building a society where no widow or orphan is left behind.

As the world commemorates International Widows Day, NOCRELA Bauchi State Chapter urges citizens to extend kindness, support, and opportunities to widows and orphans within their communities, ensuring they live with dignity, hope, and a sense of belonging.

The organisation prayed for God’s continued grace, protection, provision, and blessings upon all widows and orphans and encouraged them to remain strong in faith as they navigate life’s journey.

The Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA) is a faith-based organisation dedicated to promoting peace, unity, humanitarian service, community development, and the welfare of vulnerable populations across Northern Nigeria through advocacy, dialogue, and outreach programmes.