Blog details
Thu-30-May-2024
Ekiti First Lady Launches Widow Screening for Empowerment Project
Ekiti State First Lady Pledges
Support for Widows with WAOH Initiative, Collates Over 25,000 Names
Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the wife of the Ekiti State Governor,
has committed to alleviating the hardships faced by widows and empowering them
for self-fulfillment and economic contribution at the grassroots level.
Emphasizing that widows should not be left to fend for themselves, Dr. Oyebanji
called for their inclusion and support as vital stakeholders in the Ekiti
project.
These remarks were made on Friday during the commencement of
the screening process for the Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Project at her
office in Ado Ekiti. The project has collated over 25,000 names of prospective
beneficiaries, who will be invited in batches to participate in the screening
exercise. This process aims to identify their needs and provide targeted
assistance.
Dr. Oyebanji stressed that widows represent a vulnerable
segment of the population that requires significant support. The WAOH
initiative is designed to offer relief and help widows achieve their potential,
mitigating the hardships imposed by the loss of their spouses. Through the WAOH
Project Coordinator, Mrs. Kemi Dairo, Dr. Oyebanji explained that the screening
is a crucial step towards the official launch and full implementation of the
scheme, with ongoing registration to include more beneficiaries.
The screening exercise aims to prevent confusion and ensure
that genuine beneficiaries receive the necessary relief materials. Dr. Oyebanji
urged the widows to view WAOH as a pivotal platform to improve their lives and
overcome their challenges.
“Through this project, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji is making a
strong statement that widows in Ekiti should not suffer. We are under a
government that puts smiles on the faces of the people of the state. As
Governor Biodun Oyebanji works hard to make life easier for the people, the
First Lady complements his efforts by enhancing the lives of our grassroots
population. The welfare of widows is paramount to her, and she encourages you
to spread this news in your communities. Those not yet registered for the
scheme are still welcome to do so,” she said.
She added that the needs of each widow will be assessed to
provide appropriate assistance. A follow-up team will visit the beneficiaries'
residences and businesses to verify the information provided during screening.
Beneficiaries Mrs. Idowu Mustapha and Mrs. Moyo Tawose
praised the First Lady for initiating the program without political bias. Mrs.
Mustapha expressed her gratitude, stating, "This is a very laudable
program, and we are grateful to our First Lady. I don’t belong to any political
party, yet I was invited to participate. Our First Lady is God-sent to assist
us widows."
Mrs. Tawose shared similar sentiments, adding, "I
realized this initiative is real when I received a call to come to the WAOH
Office today. We appreciate our First Lady for remembering us and pray for her
continued success."
This initiative underscores Dr. Oyebanji’s commitment to
ensuring that widows in Ekiti State receive the support they need to thrive.
Leave a comment