For nearly a decade, the Chinwe Bode-Akinwande (CBA) Foundation has been a lifeline for widows and disadvantaged children in Nigeria, bringing their struggles to the forefront and offering tangible solutions.
Founded in 2015 by Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, the non-governmental organisation seeks to combat the neglect, dejection, and isolation faced by widows in society. Through strategic advocacy, empowerment programmes, and capacity-building initiatives, the foundation has become a source of hope and strength for thousands.
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According to Bode-Akinwande, “Widows are painfully dehumanised and maltreated because they are vulnerable. It’s time to speak up, demand accountability, and implement solutions. We must empower these women and ensure their voices are heard,” she said.
The foundation’s mission centers around providing widows with the resources they need to rebuild their lives. This includes skills acquisition training, financial empowerment, medical outreach, food distribution, and one-on-one counseling. In addition, it reinstates children of widows who have dropped out of school, paying tuition and offering educational support to help them thrive.
Bode-Akinwande highlighted the foundation’s achievements: “We have impacted 9,866 widows through empowerment programmes, provided health interventions for 5,585 widows, distributed food to 12,360 women, reinstated 169 children in school, and financially empowered 292 widows through our self-employment schemes.”
She said: “Health and nutrition are key pillars of the foundation’s work. Thousands of underprivileged widows have received medical care and essential food supplies to promote healthier lives for themselves and their families. Meanwhile, women who complete the foundation’s skill acquisition training are set up with funding to start small businesses, enabling them to regain financial independence and dignity.
She informed that education is another critical focus area, adding that by reinstating children in school and covering tuition costs, the foundation ensures a brighter future for the next generation.
“We are committed to providing equitable access to quality education and the foundation operates with transparency, allocating 70 percent of its proceeds directly to programmes.Its audited financial records are readily available upon request, reflecting its commitment to integrity.
Bode-Akinwande called on governments, corporate organisations, and individuals to join the effort to protect and empower widows.“This is a collective responsibility. The hardships faced by widows should not be overlooked. Together, we can bring about the change we seek,” she said.
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