Emmanuel lkpeama
In compliance with the United Nations declaration that a day be set aside for reviewing the plight of widows worldwide,Encouragers International Charity Organisation under the leadership of Bishop Udogwu Sunny on Monday 23, June 2025,celebrated this vulnerable group of women in Ejigbo LCDA, Lagos, where they doled out items like food and cash to the widows.
In his charismatic manner, Bishop Udogwu being passionate about this day, went all out to ensure that the members of the association had a great day as the women praised and thank God for the sustenance of their life and that of their children
In his address,the Mission Director, Bishop Udogwu Sunny said that the theme for year 2025 commemoration is, “Beyond Grief: Rebuilding Lives, Strengthening Communities, and Challenging Stigma”.
According to Udogwu,the theme calls for urgent attention to the many challenges widows face every day—especially in rural areas where harmful traditional practices remain common
The Encouragers International Charity Organisation director noted that many widows in Nigeria were suffering in silence due to outdated laws and cultural practices that denied them inheritance rights, economic opportunities, and protection.
He went further to state that the world must wake up to the responsibility of lifting widows as they are the most vulnerable in society.
“Widows are part of our society — they are mothers, caregivers, and contributors to the economy but many are treated unfairly and pushed aside.
“Many widows are treated unfairly after losing their husbands. Some are denied access to property, forced into harmful rituals, blamed for their husbands’ deaths, and pushed into poverty,”
“It is on record that thousands of widows are left homeless, jobless, and in deep emotional distress after losing their husbands, with little or no legal support.”he said.
The guest speaker, Pastor Mrs Obiageli Chimankpa, Senior Pastor of Tree of life church Ejigbo in her sermon on the topic”There is a reason for everything “she encouraged the women not to be despair as God is their provider, defender and has made them special.
Pastor Chimankpa who took her text from the book of Romans 8:28 urged the women not to be swallowed by their circumstances as God has a special place for them.
She called on individuals not to marginalized the widows because they are special people “they are not just victims of circumstances but there are reasons that made them to become so, therefore they should be treated with love and care.”
While appealing to government agencies to look into the affairs of widows as many of them have suffered marginalization from individuals and members of their families
Highlighting her painful struggles faced since the death of her husband, a beneficiary of the organization Mrs.Oyawoye Stella appreciated the charity organization for their kindness to widows during such perilous times, emphasizing on the impact of helping them with their basic needs, as this has been a major challenge in recent times.
Another beneficiary,Mrs Yetunde Adeseye applauded the organization for always coming to the rescue of widows in various community especially those in distress”Encouragers International Charity Organisation has done well for the widows,it is a beautiful occasion today and we have really enjoyed ourselves”
“The organization has brought a lot of encouragement to so many widows and teach them on they can move ahead in life without dying immediately after their husbands ”
” The director Bishop Udogwu Sunny has also made the widows to stand firm and learn a lot of skills so that they can move ahead,train their children up to a greater level, I want to use this occasion to appeal to the government to always the widows through supporting organizations like Encouragers International Charity Organisation financially that have the widows at heart so that they can do more in assisting the widows so that they can stand on their own and help their children.”she submitted.
Speaking with newsmen, Bishop Udogwu Sunny noted that the organization that has been celebrating the widows for over 20years in commemoration of the world international widows day celebration was a mandate giving to him by God almighty.
He advised the widows to always educate and advice their children in the way of the lord, urging them not to sell themselves because of lack of money but rather put their trust in God who is the husband of widows to always provide for their needs and that of their children.
Udogwu appealed to the State government to always care for the widows,harmonise civil and customary laws, particularly around inheritance and property rights, to stop the cycle of abuse and neglect, noting that real change could only happen when widows were protected by law and empowered to rebuild their lives.
“I want to encourage the government to include widows in poverty alleviation programmes, job creation schemes, and health and social services because widows often faced serious problems like loss of property, no access to healthcare or education, and are sometimes victims of violence or forced remarriage.”he submitted
Highlight of the event was presentation of bags of rice and cash to the widows, prayers were offered and the women praised and thank God for his grace upon their lives.
Encouragers International Charity Organisation is an NGO working for women, children, and community development, and has supported over 10,000 widows in Nigeria through legal help, business training, health services, and mental health support.
