Poverty alleviation: Vulnerable widows drilled on self-sustaining skills

No fewer than sixty widows have received training on self-sustaining skills during an empowerment programme powered by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Rasaq Okulaja Empowerment Initiative in collaboration with another NGO, Helpline Social Support Initiative.
It was observed that the widows were trained on tie and dye, soap, turban and Snacks making among other skills, during the lead NGO’s second memorial empowerment and exhibition programme in the nation”s capital city.
According to the President of Helpline Social Support Initiative, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, noted that the training was part of a two-year memorial of late Rev. Rasaq Okulaja, saying it was designed to eradicate poverty among widows, as well as keep the memory of late Okulaja alive.
She added that the empowerment was also to give the widows and young girls an opportunity to be a better version of themselves.
Ahmadu however, advised the beneficiaries not to be ashamed of what they were doing to support themselves financially.
She noted that the widows to group themselves into clusters to share facilities, access financial support and organise step down training to other vulnerable groups.
“You also need to register your businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Helpline will assist intending participants who have adequately packaged themselves with the registration.
“Try to be a better version of yourself and improve yourself at all times and form clusters among yourself so that you can work as a team and easily connect with customers.
“I promised that next year, we will expand this exhibition and take it to the Old Parade Ground, Garki to accommodate more participants”, she stressed.
On her part, Mrs Toyin Okulaja, wife of the Late Rasaq Okulaja, explained that after her husband died, they decided to establish an empowerment initiative after his name to keep his legacy alive, and continue to impact and transform the lives of the poor and vulnerable in communities.
She adds:“We empowered 50 women and young girls in 2023 with different skills and today they are exhibiting their products.
“This year, we decided to support only widows with self-sustaining skills, food items and a little cash to support their lives because they are going through a lot.
“ I am so happy that at least, we were able to empower people, who are also empowering others.
“Some of them could now feed their families and pay their children school fees, so, we are encouraged.”
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Rita Awolumate, a mother of three, revealed that she received training on how to make Zarah Caps, bridal bouche, and bridal tree, fan and fascinator, which now helps her to support her family.
According to her: “Life was difficult for me and my family before the empowerment because my husband is not working.
“But between November 2023 and now, God has been faithful. The skill is putting food on my table, paying the bills and paying my children school fees.”