The Founder of the Rock of Ages Empowerment Foundation, Evangelist Ignatius Newman Ezeigbo, has called on governments at all levels to establish a dedicated agency or platform to address the challenges facing widows across Nigeria.
Ezeigbo made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja during a programme organised by the foundation to commemorate the 2026 International Widows Day, where hundreds of widows received start-up capital after completing various skills acquisition training programmes.
International Widows Day, observed annually on June 23, was established by the United Nations to draw global attention to the poverty, discrimination, social exclusion and injustice faced by millions of widows and their dependants worldwide.
Speaking at the event, themed “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows: The African Perspective,” Ezeigbo described widows as one of the most vulnerable groups in society, stressing the need for targeted interventions to improve their economic and social well-being.
He urged the federal, state and local governments to create a special body dedicated to addressing the needs of widows, including economic empowerment, healthcare access, education and social protection.
According to him, such a platform would help provide sustainable support and ensure that widows are not neglected in government policies and programmes.
Ezeigbo noted that the Rock of Ages Empowerment Foundation, a faith-based non-governmental organisation established in 2007, has continued to provide free medical services, educational scholarships and financial assistance to vulnerable groups, particularly widows and orphans.
He also commended the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) for its efforts in defending the rights of widows across different parts of the country and called on philanthropists, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support initiatives aimed at empowering more widows.
The foundation’s founder emphasised that economic empowerment remains crucial to improving the welfare of widows and their families, noting that poverty reduction efforts would be more effective when vulnerable women are equipped with sustainable sources of income.
He encouraged widows to embrace skills acquisition and entrepreneurship as pathways to financial independence rather than relying on handouts.
“Economic empowerment begins with learning skills that can generate income and support families. Widows should take advantage of opportunities that enable them to become self-reliant and provide for their children,” he said.
Ezeigbo further reminded widows that the loss of a spouse should not mark the end of their aspirations but serve as motivation to work hard and build a better future for themselves and their children.
Several beneficiaries of the empowerment programme expressed gratitude to the foundation, saying the start-up grants would enable them to establish or expand small businesses and better cater to the needs of their families.
The event formed part of activities marking the 2026 International Widows Day and highlighted the importance of economic inclusion, dignity and social justice for widows across the country.
