Group empowers 20 widows with st­art-up capital

Poised to make widows financially independent, improve their families and prevent depression, the Topisto brand has empowered 20 widows in Lagos.

Addressing the recipients during a roundtable in Jibowu, Lagos, Brand Ambassador and On-Air Personality (OAP), Uzo Ododo-Oba, said the group has worked out sustainable strategies to assist widows.

She stressed the project is to empower, encourage and motivate young and middle-aged widows and families to be happy again and contribute to national development.

Ododo-Oba added that the group is also concerned about the life of widows after the demise of their husbands and the welfare of their children, by inspiring them to go after their dreams.

She emphasised the roles of women in the development of any nation.

Women are nation builders, strong, beautiful, determined, resilient and can do the impossible despite challenges,” she added.

Ododo-Oba urged stakeholders to assist people in their circles for a better society, recollecting that the brand has previously empowered widows and children with vocational skills of choice, like photography, fashion, make-up training, fixing the eyelashes, soap making and other skills.

Topisto’s Lagos Sales Director, Ifeanyi Okoye, said: “Today, the brand is giving investment capital to support start-up businesses of 20 widows and to ensure that the small and medium-scale enterprises grow rapidly.”

He urged them to use the investment judicially and plough the profits back into businesses, rather than using the profits for unnecessary activities.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Elizabeth Jonah, appreciated Topisto, partners and Uzo for the empowerment and kind gestures.