The Chinwe Bode-Akinwande (CBA) Foundation has marked its 10th anniversary with a conference aimed at addressing the challenges confronting widows in Nigeria and charting sustainable pathways to their empowerment.

The event, themed “Empowering Widows in Nigeria: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Vulnerability,” held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors to deliberate on widow empowerment.

In her keynote address, Founder and Chairperson of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, described widow empowerment as both a moral obligation and a national priority.

She commended the founder of CBA Foundation, Mrs. Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, for turning compassion into a movement that restores dignity and hope for widows and their children.

“Through the CBA Foundation, you have given courage, confidence, and dignity to countless widows and children. Your work proves that one person’s vision can transform generations,” Oyagbola said.

Head of Internal Communications at FirstBank, Acharu Osime, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the bank, said the conference objectives align with the financial institution’s sustainability pillars focused on welfare, diversity and financial inclusion.

“At FirstBank, we are passionate about supporting platforms that empower individuals and nurture talent. We are excited to be a part of this initiative, supporting one of our own, to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for widows,” she stated.

DigitXplus also commended the foundation’s decade-long impact, describing the conference as a celebration of resilience and dignity.

Head of Strategy at the company, Damilola Popoola, said: “This event is not just a gathering, it is a testament to the strength and unyielding spirit of womanhood. Empowerment begins with dignity, and dignity grows when women are given a voice, a skill, and a chance to dream again. We at digitXplus remain dedicated to walking the walk with the CBA Foundation.”

The founder, Bode-Akinwande, expressed gratitude to partners and attendees, reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to continue supporting widows across Nigeria.

“We envision a Nigeria where widowhood is not a sentence to poverty but a pathway to resilience. When we lift a widow, we lift her children, her community, and our nation,” she said.

The conference featured a plenary session moderated by radio host and communications strategist, Jide Benson.

The panel, which comprised the CEO of Impact Investors Foundation, Etemore Glover, Head of Operations at Market Ranch, ,Abiola Odanye, and Managing Director of Meristem Trustees Limited, Damilola Hassan, explored critical issues such as policy advocacy for widows’ rights, empowerment initiatives, and support structures needed to overcome challenges facing widows.

The event was supported by FirstBank, Vyrus, Eko Hotel, Truecaller, Power Oil, Munch It, Minimie Noodles, Minimie Chinchin, Kellogg’s, and Colgate.