In a heartwarming display of solidarity and compassion, the Office of the First Lady of Oyo represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Inclusion yesterday marked International Widows Day by honouring widows with cash gifts, food items, and encouragement for the future.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion in the state, Hon (Mrs) Toyin Balogun, who represented the First Lady of the state, Her Excellency Eng Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde, representative of the Commissioner for Health Dr Ajetumobi shared insights on self-care, child welfare, and preventive measures against the ongoing cholera outbreak.
While enlightening the women on the importance of self-care and preventative measures against the ongoing cholera outbreak, Mrs Balogun also brought good news of forthcoming empowerment programmes initiated by His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, aimed at empowering our women to become self-sufficient.
The Commissioner also addressed the upcoming commemoration of International Women’s Day, scheduled for next month, highlighting the event’s significance as a season opener towards poverty alleviation ,empowerment programs and prosperity for all women in Oyo State.
The widows, hailing from all 33 local governments of Oyo State, left the event with smiles on their faces, cash gifts in their pockets, and food items to feed their families for several days.
Mrs Balogun affirmed: “Today, we have not only honored the resilience of our widows but also planted the seeds of hope and prosperity in their hearts.”
“The Oyo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde is fully committed to improving the lives of our women and ensuring they move from the ranks of poverty through self sustenanceto prosperity.”
“Together, we can work towards a future where our widows are no longer struggling, but thriving. I encourage our women to seize every opportunity that the GSM led government will be bringing their way soon through the platforms of the Ministry of Women Affairs and use it as a stepping stone to reach greater heights.”
The impact of the gifts given at the event is significant not just in providing immediate relief, but also in instilling a sense of hope for a better future for our widows
