By Chibiike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – In commemoration of International Widows Day 2025, themed “Empower Her: From Loss to Leadership”, Chadash Empowerment Foundation has empowered 250 widows in Ogun State and Abuja with vocational training, equipment, and cash support aimed at transforming widows from victims of circumstance to empowered agents of change.
The foundation, founded by Mrs. Temitope Adeola, wife of Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi), trained 150 widows in Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State, and 100 widows in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. The initiative culminated in a major empowerment ceremony held on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Wuse, Abuja, one day ahead of the official International Widows Day.
According to the statement signed by the Press Officer
Chadash Empowerment Foundation, Oliseh Ossai made available to Precise Post on Sunday, at the event, widows received start-up kits including sewing machines, makeup kits, hairdressing tools, grinding machines, foodstuffs, and a cash grant of N20,000 each to launch their small-scale businesses.
Mrs. Adeola, speaking at the event, emphasized the foundation’s mission to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable widows and orphans through sustainable support.
“We believe that every widow has the right to grieve, to grow, to lead, to build, and to thrive. That’s why Chadash Empowerment Foundation has trained and empowered these women in vocational skills like hairdressing, tailoring, leatherworks, entrepreneurship, and makeup artistry,” she said.
The four-day hands-on training was delivered by seasoned professionals and included business coaching. Participants also received full starter kits to begin their entrepreneurial journeys.
Citing statistics from the International Women’s Society, Mrs. Adeola highlighted the global crisis facing widows, noting that there are over 258 million widows worldwide, including 15 million in Nigeria, many of whom face economic deprivation, social stigma, and legal discrimination.
She decried harmful cultural practices against widows and the widespread lack of awareness about legal protections available to them under laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015, which criminalizes harmful traditional widowhood practices.
Mrs. Adeola advocated for greater access to education, legal protection, economic opportunities, and social inclusion for widows in Nigeria.
“Widows are not just victims of death; they are community builders, entrepreneurs, caregivers, and advocates for justice,” she asserted.
In a goodwill message, Mrs. Janet Jiya, representing the wives of Nigerian senators, praised Mrs. Adeola’s ongoing support for vulnerable groups and urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity provided.
This year’s event marks the fourth edition of Chadash Empowerment Foundation’s widow empowerment initiative, reaffirming its commitment to social justice and inclusive development.
