The widow’s day program was one of its kind, Tender hearts Foundation organizes the program for the widows and grassroots women on the island with the support of the community leaders, the program was held on the 27th of June, 2024, at No. 10, Swamp Street, off Paco Adeniji Adele Lagos Island Lagos. With the attendance of 20 Widows and 45 Grassroots women. Opening prayer was led by Mrs Gloria Peter in a Christian way. Follow by medical team accessed the participant by checking their BP and some medical examinations.
The MC in Person of Mr Olaniyi started the program by introducing the president/Founder of Tender Hearts Foundation in person of Amb. Barr. Sally Othihiwa and she was then called to the high table likewise the dignitaries and guest speakers of the day. The community leader represented by the community secretary in person of Alhaji Atobadi Agoro was also recognized. The Theme of the international widows day program was ass well introduced as;”Accelerating the achievement of Gender Equality”.
Amb. Sally Othihiwa was called upon to do her welcome address and opening speech for the event to start, she welcome all the widows and grassroots women who were present at the even by giving a brief history on THF and how it started, what we want to achieve in the next 5years, she further by appreciating the dignitaries present at the event and widows/grassroots women present. She recognizes the grief of those women who had one way or other loses their husband also encourages them to stay strong.
She appreciated all our partners for their support/donations in make this program a reality, to mention few; Lagos food bank who gave us 3bag of rice, 2 carton of Noodles and 1 carton of toothbrush, also crime victim foundation for their continuous support toward our event, Adefila and partners, Oladele and associate, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and Life Omnifoods Limited. We are happy that your donations and support will definitely go a long way for these women, May God Bless you all immensely.
The three Speakers was introduced and invited to the podium each to speak on their topics, below are the topic that was taken by each of the speakers;
1. The Knowledge of widow’s fundamental rights and Abuse which was taken by Barr. Aderinsola Fagbure
2. The second speaker in person of Mr Adekola for First City Monument Bank speaks on Financial Literacy for small and medium scale business women
3. And the third Speaker in person of Barr. Ben Okafor who represent Barr. Gloria Egbuji from crime victim foundation speaks on The role of women in cultural Malpractices
At the end of the section question was raise, while each speakers responded to the questions been asked by the participant on their experience.
Two beneficiary in person of Mrs Eleazu Melodia Chinyere and Mrs Adekanbi Funke from THF came out each for success story, to talk about what they have been able to achieve through THF and thrift cycle, in other to boost their business and the changes that has occurred in their family
The following are the highlights of the event;
-20 widows received a cash gift of 10 thousand naira each from the founder/visionary
– 65 widows and grassroots women present received foodstuffs and tooth brush which was sponsored by Lagos Food Bank Initiative
– Heart touching stories of widows plights and their achievements
– Cultural dancers entertained the women in Calabar
– FCMB was present for account opening and proposed the idea of giving loans to the widows/women to help open business or support them in their business
At the end of the program foodstuff was shared with 65 women were supported with foodstuff (rice and noodles) and toothbrush
Some of the women appreciated the organisation and partners who donated for the cause, and prayer were said for the organizations
The program end with closing prayer at exactly 3:30PM with closing prayer by one of the participant in a Muslim way and refreshments was distributed, photographs were taken as well.
