BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
In a show of compassion and commitment to the welfare of widows across Nigeria, Dr. (Mrs.) Ebele Okoye, the visionary founder of Jedidiah Divine Home Of Love (JEDLOF), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), announced that the organization has empowered more than 1,000 widows over the past two years with financial assistance and essential business starter packs.
Dr. Okoye shared this achievement during the August “Empowerment of Widows” outreach, held at the Police College in Ikeja. The event, which brought together widows from different parts of the country, highlighted the harsh economic challenges faced by widows in Nigeria.
Okoye expressed deep concern over the prevailing economic conditions that have exacerbated the struggles of widows, many of whom are the sole providers for their families.
Reflecting on the impact of the current economic downturn, Dr. Okoye revealed that JEDLOF was only able to empower 70 widows at the August outreach with cash, as opposed to the usual business starter packs.
“The situation has been incredibly challenging. We usually focus on skills acquisition, but due to the economic climate, we decided to provide them with cash instead. I understand it will be even tougher for them as they navigate these difficult times,” she said.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Okoye urged the widows to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God, drawing inspiration from her personal experience as a widow for the past 24 years.
She encouraged them to stay determined, believing that divine helpers would come to their aid just as they had for her.
In her impassioned plea, Dr. Okoye called on well-meaning Nigerians to step forward and support JEDLOF’s mission, reminding them of the vulnerable individuals in society who desperately need assistance. She emphasized that the responsibility to uplift the less fortunate should be shared by all.
The event also served as a platform for widows to share their testimonies of transformation through JEDLOF’s interventions.
One such testimony came from Mrs. Afolayan Taiwo, a widow of ten years, who spoke of her struggles to provide for her children and maintain her livelihood.
She recounted how her shop had been virtually empty, and her children’s school fees were overdue before JEDLOF came to her rescue, offering the much-needed support that revitalized her business and renewed her hope.
The empowerment event was marked by uplifting gospel ministrations, fervent prayers, words of encouragement, and heartfelt testimonies from the beneficiaries. As the event drew to a close, anticipation grew for the next outreach, which is scheduled to take place in Enugu in December, promising another opportunity to touch and transform the lives of widows in need.
