Assist Widows, Vulnerable In Society- Fashina

Nigerians have been urged to support in empowering widows to make them self-reliant.

The Welfare Officer of Halal Children’s Home, Mrs.Khadijat Fashina, made the call in Abuja when an Islamic foundation empowered widows in the FCT.

She stated that this initiative aligns with the lessons of Ramadan, which emphasized giving and tolerance, to ensure that widows can take care of their children and keep them off the streets, thereby preventing them from engaging in social vices.

“Instead of keeping the children at the orphanage, we decided to empower the women. And we reached out to the community, we were able to get their information, we dialogue with them and what their needs were, and we decided that we should start on a micro scheme, to see how it goes.”

“Members of the public have been very responsive.We are going to follow up on these women to see how they are coping, whenever they have problems so that we can support them”.

Similarly, Rashidat Adekeye, who lectured the women on how to grow their businesses, emphasized the need to build public trust and save money to reinvest in their businesses.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the support, stating that the grinding machines, refrigerators, and capital provided would be used judiciously to put food on their tables and also contribute to national development.

According to Idowu Adebola, who is one of the beneficiaries “I bought one engine before ‘second hand,’ the engine is giving me wahala, then when I came here, they asked me what I want and I told them I want grinding machine, I am very happy to hear that they bought new one for me. I really appreciate it. My God will reward them.”

Approximately nine million naira was used to purchase grinding machines, refrigerators, and business capital for the widows, irrespective of their religious affiliations, based on their specific needs.

Florence Adewale, Edited By Grace Namiji