Lagos govt reaffirms commitment to widows’ empowerment

Wife of Oyo State Governor, Tamunominini Makinde, has reiterated the commitment of the state government towards support for widows and the less privileged in the state. Makinde, while reflecting on challenges faced by widows, celebrated their courage and resilience in the face of those challenges.

The governor’s wife, who spoke in Ibadan at a programme with the theme: “Accelerating the Achievements of Gender Equality for Widows,” to commemorate this year’s International Widows’ Day, was represented by the lawmaker representing Ogbomoso North Constituency 1 at the Oyo State House of Assembly, Bisi Oluranti.

She lamented that widows in the society had been facing stigma, economic hardship, harmful traditional practices, while some of them have even been denied their inheritance.

RELATEDLY, Lagos State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to empowering widows across the state, ensuring their welfare and dignity are upheld. This commitment was reaffirmed at the commemoration of International Widows’ Day, held at the Isheri Skills Acquisition Centre.

The state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, emphasised that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s compassionate and inclusive governance model, encapsulated in the THEMES+ development agenda, prioritises all vulnerable groups, especially widows. She highlighted the ministry’s proactive efforts through the Livelihood Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP).

Dada noted that many widows had already benefited from LEEP, with more continuing to enrol and upon completion, participants receive start-up kits, transforming the training into a launch pad for sustainable livelihoods.

She, therefore, urged families, communities, and institutions to unite in ensuring that no widow in the state suffers in silence or is sidelined.

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Rianat Onigbanjo, emphasised that the gathering was not merely symbolic but also a collective responsibility to support, uplift, and stand in solidarity with widows. She expressed gratitude for the commitment shown by all present, which reinforces the belief that together, a more inclusive society can be built.