WORLD WIDOWS DAY: Akeredolu dolls out palliatives, assures widows of support

The wife of the Ondo state Governor, Mrs. Betty Akeredolu has given out palliatives to widows to celebrate the World Widows day. The event which was held at the Akure South local government Secretariat had in attendance widows from various local government in the state.

Represented by Mrs. Temitope Daniyan, A Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Gender, Research and Documentation said:

“Today we celebrate the strongest of the womenfolk; those who have had a share of the unexpected pain and devastation that come with losing a life partner. We know how hard it can be for a couple to provide for and protect the family in developing countries like Nigeria, to then think how tough it will be to do the same as a widow is simply unimaginable.”

Mrs. Akeredolu assured the widows of continuous support from the Ondo state government through the office of the first lady as she understands their pains.

“Our friends and sisters, we know the struggle and we acknowledge the pain, and we are here not just to celebrate you but to assure you that we will stand with you and support you. Although the Government has in the past not made much effort to develop an evidence based programme that will cushion the effect of being a widow. I am delighted to inform you that the Akeredolu-led administration will not turn a deaf ear to your needs.”

“It is in a bid to ensure that you become visible for support that the Ondo state government through the office of the first lady of Ondo state and the State Ministry of Women Affairs launched the Ondo Widows’ care Website. Through the website, we have been able to seamlessly collate the database of over 8,000 widows in Ondo state. With the database, it becomes easy for the state government to plan for her widows.”

“Now more than ever, we are expressing our commitment as a community to draw attention to the voices and experiences of widows and to galvanize the unique support that is peculiar to you all. Although we will not be able to take the place of your late spouse, we want to assure you that we will go extra mile to ensure an enabling environment for you in the society and ensure you are not deprived of your rights and privileges. My dear sisters and mothers, we will always stand by you.” She concluded.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Awodeyi Olubunmi was full of praise for the wife of the Governor and urged the state government to do more to help ameliorate the hardship being experienced by the widows.

“It is impressive that the wife of the Governor has chosen to identify with us today. The widows are facing a lot of problems ranging from inability to pay house rents, school fees payment, feeding and victimization from in-laws. This gesture is very impressive but we want them to do more.”

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Florence Oni thank the wife of the Governor and urged her to make the event a continuous one.