At the 2023 Widows Support Program, which took place in Lagos State on Saturday, no fewer than fifty widows received empowerment.
His Heavenly Light Ministries was in charge of organizing the event.
The principal host and organizer, Reverend Cecelia Onitiri, issued a warning against mistreating widows.
Onitiri expressed regret over instances of empowering programs being set up to trick widows, adding that those wishing to assist them should gain their trust in the process.
She continued by saying that the Widows Support Programme was a real one that catered to their requirements.
She said, “We do genuine programmes and look after the widows. When we started, some of them thought it was a hoax.
“Even when we were distributing fliers to them, people did not take it. Most of them said the one they were asked to come in the past, they attended and they did not do anything for them.
“They would only have a big party and it ends there. People need to win the confidence of the widows. I am a widow, we don’t have to take advantage of them. If they understand what you are and what you are doing to support them, they will not doubt you.”
Onitiri acknowledged that the initiative fulfilled her expectations and added that it was implemented in accordance with a divine directive.
“I feel very happy that I am doing what the Lord asked me to do, to impact the lives of widows. When you have to do something and you see that people appreciate and are happy about it, you will feel fulfilled.
“We need support. That is why I publicise it. This programme is an expensive programme. We had 100 last year. It is supposed to be 100 or more this year, but we have to 50 with the additional 100 of last year in attendance today.”
The program included health examinations, medical advice, and financial guidance on managing finances. Doyin Osindero, Mabek Ogbeni, Ekaette Nyang, and Ngozi Obienu were also among the facilitators.
Pastor Chizoba Nwachucku, a partner in the ministry also spoke on the feedback from the last programme, saying, “A lot of them had great testimonies; they were able to feed themselves, pay their rent and even train their children in school.
“Those we empowered last year, we asked them to do savings of a thousand naira every month, and whatsoever they have accumulated, we add money to it and return it to them to invest in their business.”
Moreover, widows received clothing and money as part of the scheme.
