Odunayo-led administration partners Compassionate Hands to provide support, counselling and empowerment for bereaved women
Hundreds of widows in Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area were honoured on Monday as the Odunayo-led administration, in collaboration with the non-governmental organization, _Compassionate Hands foundation,marked International Widows Day with outreach, counselling, and welfare support at the Council Secretariat.
The event, held in a convivial atmosphere, featured the presentation of food packs and household items to widows across the LCDA by the Chairperson of Itire-Ikate LCDA, Mrs. Vivian Odunayo.
In her opening remarks, the Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Mistura Hassan, urged widows to uphold dignity, embrace financial independence, and invest in their children’s future. She also advised them to prioritize health, avoid wasteful expenditure, and build meaningful lives beyond bereavement.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Vivian Odunayo commended the resilience of widows and assured them of sustained government intervention. “You are not alone. This administration will continue to stand with you and support your families,” she said.
Mrs. Aminat and her colleague,Mrs Basirat Jimoh, representing Compassionate Hands, led sensitization session on post-bereavement living. She encouraged the widows to cultivate a savings culture, practice prudence, raise their children in faith, and maintain professionalism in trade. She also advised younger widows to consider remarriage as a path to companionship, rather than isolation.
The Executive Chairman, Hon. Oluwafemi Odunayo Daniel, who attended the event, reaffirmed his commitment to widows’ welfare. He prayed for the women and pledged continuous support from the council.
The programme ended with the presentation of gifts by the Chairperson, the Supervisory Councillor for WAPA, and other dignitaries.
A representative of the Association of Widows thanked the council and the NGO for the gesture and prayed for the success of the administration.