Segun Showunmi in Ibadan
The wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde has called for more solid plan in addressing problems facing widows across the state, saying that government will continue to make policies that will always empowered them so as to meet their daily needs and to be able to care for their children
Penpushing reports that Mrs. Makinde said this on Wednesday, in Ibadan while distributing gift items to widows in the State, which was held at the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Ibadan.
“We are calling for more solid plan that will acknowledge the plight of widows in Oyo State, and we are determine to protect their rights and empowered them to coped with the challenges confronting them’, she emphasised
Penpushing further reports that,she noted that every 23rd of June has been set aside by the United Nations(UN) to celebrate the widows and draw attention to their voice and needs, noting that this year coronavirus pandemic has hindered its celebration
The Governor’s wife pointed out that widows all over the world faced a lot of hardship and they struggled to meet their daily needs, and called on widows across the state to boost their worth and not subjected themselves to self-pity and always looked unto God
Penpushing also reports that the wife of the Deputy Governor, Prof. Mrs Bolanle Olaniyan in her welcome address, noted that the essence of the occasion was not only to celebrate the widows but also to encourage, motivate and support them, having understand their plights and as a responsive government, and there is need to come to their aid, to ease the economic hardship of coronavirus.
The Deputy Governor said women faced lots of challenges ranging from false accusations by in-laws about the cause of the man’s death, to issues regarding claims of money from bank and place of work, to bitter disagreements over properties.
“Widows have been described as strongest womenfolk that have had a share of the unexpected pain and devastation that comes losing a life partner, today is dedicated to all widows, women faced a lot of challenges, the Governor and his wife understand the plight of women of Oyo state’
Penpushing reports that, one of the beneficiaries of the gift, Mrs Ifeyinwa Okoro, noted that taking care of the children might be very tough at times but all the widows are happy for what the first lady has done for them, saying that the gift will go a long way in assisting them
Meanwhile, some dignitaries at the event include the Secretary to the state government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, the head of service of Oyo State, Alhaja Ololade Agboola, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social inclusion, Alhaja Faosat Saani, Commissioner for Special Duty, Mrs Funmilayo Orisadeyi, and Alhaja Abosede Adedibu among others.
