(UPDATED) 2025 INT’L WIDOWS’ DAY: ‘WIDOWHOOD SHOULDN’T BE A SENTENCE TO HARDSHIP’ — HON. CECELIA DADA (PHOTOS)

By: Sefiu Ajape 

…As Lagos Govt Empowers Over 700 Vulnerable Women

The Lagos State Government on Monday, June 23, marked the 2025 International Widows’ Day with a strong message of compassion and support for widows with the empowerment of 750 vulnerable women across the state.

Organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), the event served as a platform to reaffirm the state’s commitment to inclusive governance and social protection, while also celebrating the resilience of widows in Lagos.

Held at the Isheri Skills Acquisition Centre in Ojodu, the commemorative event brought together widows, key stakeholders in women’s affairs and non-governmental organisations.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, emphasized the state government’s commitment to improving the socio-economic condition of widows, noting that “widowhood should not be a sentence to hardship.”

She said the Sanwo-Olu-led administration remains determined to build a support system that addresses the emotional and financial challenges often faced by widows, adding that WAPA’s continuous empowerment programmes are targeted at breaking the cycle of poverty among vulnerable women.

“The Lagos State Government, under the visionary leadership of Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, continues to pursue a governance model that places a premium on inclusiveness, compassion, and empowerment.

“Through the THEMES+ development agenda, Mr Governor, has remained steadfast in ensuring that no vulnerable group is left behind, especially our women, and in particular, our widows”, she said.

Hon. Dada detailed several of the Ministry’s ongoing programmes, including the Livelihood Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP), a four-week short-term training programme across the five IBILE divisions of Lagos.

According to her, LEEP equips widows with hands-on skills in trades like catering, hairdressing, fashion design, soap making, and tie & dye.

She added that the programme is designed with flexibility to accommodate the daily realities of widows, many of whom are sole caregivers and breadwinners.

“We are proud to say that many widows have benefitted immensely from this programme… and return to their communities not as dependents, but as contributors to household and community prosperity,” the Commissioner added.

The commissioner went further by highlighting the Micro-Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI), through which widows have received business grants, start-up kits, and access to market linkages—helping them build sustainable livelihoods and restore economic independence.

“We also recognize that widowhood comes with emotional trauma, legal vulnerabilities, and social exclusion. This is why WAPA continues to offer psychosocial counselling and legal advisory services, through our Family Social Services and Domestic Violence Unit.

“We stand strongly against the cultural and structural discrimination widows often face, and we will continue to advocate for laws and systems that uphold their rights and dignity,” she added.

In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, lauded the courage of the widows who attended the event and expressed appreciation for their active participation.

“Today’s programme has achieved its purpose—to amplify voices, restore hope, and reinforce our shared humanity,” she said.

“We remain committed to your growth, protection, and empowerment through continuous advocacy and sustainable livelihood programmes.”

Mrs. Onigbanjo also extended heartfelt thanks to Hon. Dada for her visionary leadership and to the WAPA team, led by Director of Women Affairs, Mrs. Funke Shyllon, for ensuring the event’s success.

Also speaking at the event was Mrs. Mosunmola Oyefesobi, the guest speaker and a widow of over 21 years, who delivered an emotional and inspiring address on the topic “Experience on Life After Loss, Grief, Resilience, and Discovering Self.”

Sharing her personal journey through widowhood, she encouraged participants to lean on three key pillars — faith in God, dedication to hard work, and strong family support.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be invited by the Lagos State Government to share with fellow widows on this significant occasion,” she said.

“With faith, hard work, and family by your side, you can overcome anything.”

Mrs. Oyefesobi expressed deep appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada for their unwavering commitment to uplifting widows across the state.

The event also included heartfelt testimonies from some of the empowered widows, who shared how WAPA’s training programmes have already begun to positively impact their lives.

A question-and-answer session was also held, providing an opportunity for the widows to voice their concerns and receive direct responses, ensuring they felt heard and supported.

International Widows’ Day is marked globally every June 23 to draw attention to the plight of widows and the unique challenges they face, including marginalization, poverty, and gender-based violence.

See more photos from the event below: