NGO seeks improved access to training, economic opportunities for widows

By Stanley Onyekwere

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Helpline Foundation for the Needy, Abuja, has advocated for improved access to skills acquisition, non-profit loans and economic opportunities for widows.

This, the Foundation said was necessary to rebuilding the lives of widows in the country, thereby helping them regain their confidence and break free from the cycle of poverty.

President and founder of the Foundation, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu made the advocacy, at a recent occassion to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Foundation, in Abuja.

Ahmadu noted that the foundation remained resolute in supporting vulnerable women and widows, who most often suffer several forms of abuses, resulting into poverty.

According to her, it was important to raise awareness on the plights of widows who face all sorts of injustices, ranging from discrimination, cultural, political and social segregation.

She said: “Surely, widows deserve more from us, corporate organisations, the international community and the governments. Do not forget that every positive action we take, no matter how small, has the power to create a positive change in the lives of widows and vulnerable women.

“Through our work at the Helpline Foundation for the Needy, we have so far committed 20 years to empowering the less privileged.

“We are of the firm conviction that by leveraging innovation and technology, we will not only uplift the widows but also bridge the gender gap, thus creating a much more inclusive society for widows, women and girls.”

On his part, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Film Corporation (NFC) , Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, said the enormous work that has been done in the past twenty years and volunteered to be a part of the Helpline Foundation for the needy.

Maduekwe said: “As a medical doctor by training before I became a movie manager, I associated myself with the need to help and what I have also realised as a politician is that at the end you help yourself when you help others because there is joy that comes to you when you see the smiles in the faces of those you have helped. There is nothing that can be a greater gift to humanity than to help others”.

Also, the event featured the launch of the book, titled “Rise from the Ashes” and the premier of the documentary, “Ajadu”, with both telling the stories of the plights of widows.

For some of the widows, who spoke on the benevolence of the NGO, called on stakeholders to emulate the founder, by conceiving and taking actions that will result to providing more support for them in the society.