Foundation, others partner to alleviate sufferings 0f widows, orphans

The Founder of the Rose of Sharon Foundation, Apostle Folorunso Alakija, has called on public-spirited individuals and corporate organisations to partner with the foundation in its quest to help alleviate the sufferings of widows and orphans across Nigeria.

Alakija made this known during a concert organised by the Foundation in partnership with singer and songwriter, Lady Onyeka Onwenu, to launch the song, ‘Rise Up’, in support of the foundation.

She explained that the ‘Rise up,’ concert was organised as part of the efforts to create awareness on the plight of widows and orphans, as well as the intervention by the Foundation to raise funds and create value-based partnerships to support widows, their children, and orphans.

While stating that the organisation was prepared to extend its reach beyond the shores of Nigeria, Alakija urged Nigerians to lend their support, not only in monetary terms, but also through the provision of services, adoption of a widow, her children or an orphan, provision of educational scholarships, and any other form of support that can create empowerment for the widows and orphans.

According to her, this is the time to support the foundation in its mission to touch the lives of these vulnerable members of the society.
She also revealed that the foundation had been offering a variety of welfare and empowerment programmes for widows since May 2008 when it was set up, including giving interest-free loans, business development and skills acquisition training, agricultural and aquaculture business schemes, advocacy programs, and free healthcare and housing for widows in extremely dire need situations.

A member of the Board of Trustees and line supervisor for the Foundation, Mr Folarin Alakija, expressed appreciation to all attendees, noting that while the Foundation might have achieved notable milestones in its 14 years of existence, it is imperative to recognise that the work has just begun.

“Though the challenges are numerous, the goals are ambitious. It is our duty as an organisation to help the less privileged, especially when it is in our power to do so. It has become vital to achieving the Foundation’s goal by collaborating with like-minded individuals or organisations. As the saying goes, if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. That is why we are all here, to go far together,” Alakija said.

Onwenu said having been raised by a widow, she was moved by the challenges faced by widows in society and the poor treatment meted out to them. She stressed further that the song was inspired by the need to give a message of hope to those in such circumstances, as well as men and women who may be confronted with other life challenges.

Some of the guests in attendance gave various forms of donations in support of the Foundation’s cause. The concert also featured testimonies, songs, and drama ministrations from some of the Foundation’s beneficiaries.

Guests at the concert included the former Managing Director, Fidelity Bank, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo; Managing Director, First City Monument Bank, Mrs. Yemisi Edun; former Lagos State Governor’s wife, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola; former Cross River State’s wife, Mrs. Onari Duke; former Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mrs. Onikepo Akande; Founder, Channels Media Group, Mr. John Momoh, and his wife, Mrs. Sola Momoh; Chief Executive Officer, Sweet Sensation, Kehinde Kamson; Vice Chancellor, Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof. Clement Adeloye; former Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Mrs. Sarah Sosan, among others.