In commemoration of the 2025 International Widows’ Day, the Ondo State Government has empowered 200 widows with startup grants of ₦50,000 each and enrolled them in vocational training as part of a broad welfare programme tagged Odatiwa Widows Care.
The event, held at the Babafunke Ajasin Auditorium in Akure, was spearheaded by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
It is one of several initiatives under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s EASE Agenda to promote inclusive governance and reduce poverty among vulnerable groups in the state.
Representing the governor at the launch, the Special Adviser on Women Affairs and Commissioner-designate, Dr. Seun Bosede Osamaye, said the programme aims to provide long-term economic independence and restore the dignity of widows in Ondo State.
“This year’s theme, ‘Empowering Widows: Building Resilience, Restoring Dignity,’ aligns perfectly with our objectives.
The Odatiwa Widows Care initiative offers not just symbolic support, but real, practical assistance—financial and vocational—to enable widows to lead productive, self-reliant lives,” Dr. Osamaye stated.
According to her, each of the 200 selected widows received ₦50,000 and hands-on training in vocations such as tailoring, catering, and soap-making.
She also disclosed that over 800 widows were in attendance, with many scheduled to benefit from subsequent phases of the programme.
“No one will go home empty-handed,” she assured. “The Aiyedatiwa administration is committed to ensuring that no woman in Ondo is left behind in poverty or despair.”
Highlighting the broader vision, Dr. Osamaye noted that the programme is not just about financial aid. “It is about restoring purpose, dignity, and a sense of belonging to widows who have often been overlooked by society,” she added.
The event featured practical training demonstrations and testimonies from both current and past beneficiaries of state empowerment programmes.
Mrs. Bosede Alade, a tailoring entrepreneur, expressed her appreciation: “This is the first time I’ve ever received government support. With this grant, I can revive my tailoring business.”
Another widow, Mrs. Florence Ojo, enrolled in the soap-making class, described the programme as a turning point. “This is not just money—it’s hope and dignity,” she said.
Also in attendance was Prophetess Atinuke Witherspoon, the Member representing Owo Constituency II and Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs, who stood in for the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji.
In her remarks, she commended the initiative as a strategic intervention to alleviate poverty and uplift marginalised groups.
“This is yet another bold step by the Aiyedatiwa administration to ensure no woman is left behind,” she said, while encouraging beneficiaries to wisely utilise the grants.
