By Ade Oyeyemi
Former Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Omowunmi Olatunji-Ohwovoriole, has promised to introduce empowerment initiatives to improve the economic welfare of widows in the state.
Ohwovoriole, who is the All Progressives Congress candidate for Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election, made the pledge during the inauguration of the Ondo State executives of a widows’ association.
The event was held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
She said her decision to identify with the association was informed by her commitment to promoting women’s welfare, particularly the needs of widows facing financial and social difficulties after losing their spouses.
The former commissioner said widows required encouragement, practical support and opportunities to rebuild their lives, assuring them that they would not be abandoned.
“As a woman, I find pleasure in identifying with women wherever they gather, particularly when they are advocating for their rights and well-being.
“These women have experienced pain and are confronted with different challenges. What they need is encouragement and support. I am here in solidarity with them to assure them that they are not alone. In our own little way, we will continue to reach out to them,” she said.
Ohwovoriole expressed hope that more organised empowerment programmes would be introduced to improve the livelihoods of widows, particularly if she wins a seat in the National Assembly.
She disclosed that she had already developed some initiatives to support the women, adding that her interaction with the newly inaugurated executives would help establish partnerships and identify areas of collaboration.
She stressed that empowerment should not be limited to giving out money, but should include skills acquisition, capacity building and the provision of start-up kits to help beneficiaries establish sustainable businesses.
According to her, equipping widows with relevant skills and resources would strengthen their financial independence and enable them to provide for their children.
