Saraki foundation to support 70,000 widows nationwide

Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation (ABSF) on Tuesday said it will support 70,000 widows across the country through humanitarian projects.

Speaking during the launch of the pilot scheme of the project in Ilorin, the North Central coordinator of the project, Alhaji Musa Aliyu, said that over 200 beneficiaries from Kwara Central and South senatorial districts benefitted.

Aliyu, who said that the foundation is a non-governmental/political association, added that it is blind to the religious/political/tribal affiliations of the beneficiaries.

“Ours is how to assist the less privileged from all strata of the society irrespective through skill and resources that will make them independent rather than to rely on anybody

“Our mission is to touch the lives of vulnerable populations in a positive way with a focus on health, education, youth, empowerment, sports, and leadership mentoring.

“For this project, the objective of ABSF includes to provide widows with skills and economic independence.

“We will also support them to attain their right to protection, inclusion, and participation in society that will enable them to cater for their needs and sustain their livelihoods,”  he said.

The ABSF coordinator said research had shown that out of the 258 million global widow population, Nigeria is home to an estimated 15 million.

He said in many cases, women face discrimination, marginalisation, and exclusion from their communities and family support systems.

Aliyu said there is a strong link between children dropping out of school, deteriorating health, household indebtedness, and prevalent social issues related to gender and social discrimination.

He said the beneficiaries will be empowered with various sums of cash, enterprise management training, empowerment components, networking, and knowledge sharing.

“To make a lasting impact, you will not only be monitored and assisted to ensure you succeed as the breadwinners of your family; ABSF will consider you for bigger platforms with your colleagues elsewhere,”  he said.

He said the ABSF cardinal principle is to help individuals and communities succeed, and we remain open to partnership and collaboration that will further this cause.

Speaking during the program, one of the resources and entrepreneurs, Princess Opeyemi Adegbite, said the ABSF support is underscored in the light of the present economic situation.

“Inflation now is a serious issue for businesses and has impacted people negatively. The interest rate is killing businesses. How can you be able to pay N40,000 for a loan of N100,000 in three months?

‘Now businesses and shops are downsizing and struggling to survive’, but with this kind of financial and knowledge support from ABSF, they have shown commitment to pull you through the rubbles despite the present situation.

In her remarks, the Iyaloja of Kwara State, Alhaja Adenike Abdulkareem Lambe, described the intervention by ABSF as apt, adding that impact can only be imagined.

She thanked the foundation for rising to the cause of the widows in the country in such a comprehensive manner.

Lambe advised the beneficiaries to ensure that they don’t disappoint the foundation and strive hard to change the narrative of the widows in the country with the support of ABSF.

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