Dr Olumide Adeoya has empowered 100 widows from Ido-Osi, Ilejemeje and Moba Local Government Areas of Ekiti State with financial support to strengthen their livelihoods and small businesses.
The beneficiaries received the support in Ifaki-Ekiti during activities marking Adeoya’s birthday. They were drawn from the three local government areas that make up Ekiti North Senatorial District II.
Adeoya said the beneficiaries were selected randomly through a transparent process without political, personal or other considerations.
He said the initiative was his contribution towards easing the economic difficulties faced by widows and other vulnerable people, particularly those who depend on petty trading and small-scale businesses for their livelihood.
Adeoya also commended the Ekiti State Government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji for its efforts to support vulnerable residents.
He singled out the First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, for her intervention in the lives of widows and orphans through the Widows and Orphans Hope, WAOH, initiative.
Adeoya said the First Lady’s work influenced his decision to extend financial assistance to widows in his community.
He expressed hope that the support would provide immediate relief for the beneficiaries while giving those involved in petty trading additional capital to grow their businesses.
He urged wealthy individuals, corporate organisations and other Nigerians with the means to support widows, elderly people and other vulnerable members of their communities.
One of Adeoya’s friends, Mr Olugbenga Agbelusi, described the programme as a practical intervention capable of improving the lives of the beneficiaries.
Agbelusi said government could not meet every social need alone and urged individuals and organisations to take a more active role in supporting vulnerable families.
He said greater private investment in the welfare and economic empowerment of vulnerable people could help reduce hardship and promote development within communities.
The Coordinator of the Ekiti State Widows Association, Mrs Phebean Fatuase, who was represented by Mrs Rachael Olaitan, commended Adeoya for his concern for widows across the state.
Olaitan thanked the celebrant for the intervention and prayed for longer life, good health, prosperity and continued strength to support others.
She also appealed to other individuals with the means to assist widows and other vulnerable people, noting that such support could help beneficiaries regain financial independence.
The Olufaki of Ifaki-Ekiti, Oba Adegbenro Falore, commended Adeoya for returning to his hometown to celebrate his birthday with his people and extending the celebration to vulnerable members of the community.
The monarch prayed for continued prosperity, good health and success for the celebrant.
The event attracted representatives of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Mrs Racheal Babatunde; Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Chief Adetutu Abegunde; the Apelua of Ilogbo-Ekiti, Chief Olatoye; community leaders, friends, associates and beneficiaries.
For the 100 widows, the birthday celebration offered more than a moment of goodwill. The financial support gave many of them additional capital to keep their businesses running and meet the demands of daily life.
