As part of activities marking the 2025 International Widow’s Day, the Chadash Empowerment Foundation has trained and empowered 250 widows across Ogun State and Abuja with vocational skills, equipment, and financial grants to help them begin their own businesses.
The foundation, led by its founder Mrs. Temitope Adeola, wife of Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi, held the empowerment sessions in Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State and Wuse, Abuja. While 150 widows benefited in Ogun, another 100 widows were empowered in the Federal Capital Territory.
At the grand event held in Wuse, Abuja on Sunday, indigent widows went home with starter packs including sewing machines, makeup kits, hairdressing tools, grinding machines, food items, and a cash grant of N20,000 each.
Mrs. Adeola, speaking during the event, said the programme was in line with the theme of this year’s International Widow’s Day, “Empower Her: From Loss to Leadership.”
She noted that the foundation aims to transform the lives of young widows and orphans by equipping them with the means to become economically independent and socially included.
“We believe that every widow has the right to grieve and the right to grow, to lead, to build, and to thrive. That is why Chadash Empowerment Foundation decided to train and empower 250 widows in vocational skills such as hairdressing, tailoring, leatherworks, makeup artistry and entrepreneurship,” she said.
She added that the four-day intensive training also included business coaching sessions delivered by professionals to ensure the women are well-prepared to run sustainable ventures.
Quoting global statistics, Mrs. Adeola said, “According to the International Women’s Society, there are over 258 million widows worldwide, with about 15 million in Nigeria. Many of them face severe economic hardship, social stigma, and legal discrimination after losing their spouses.”
She expressed concern over the widespread ignorance among widows regarding their rights, especially under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, which criminalizes harmful traditional practices against widows.
“Widows should not be seen as victims of death, but as valuable contributors to society—single parents, community leaders, entrepreneurs and caregivers,” she emphasized.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Janet Jiya, who represented the wives of senators, lauded Mrs. Adeola for her consistent support to underprivileged widows and orphans.
She urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the empowerment received and in turn, extend kindness to others in need.
