From Moshood Karim
Prophetess Ann Okodugha, founder of the Wealthy Dwelling Place of the Most High Ministry, has praised Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for his initiative to empower 355 widows across the State. The empowerment programme was unveiled on Monday in commemoration of International Widows’ Day 2025.
The initiative, tagged “Access to Justice and Empowerment for Vulnerable Widows”, was simultaneously held in Benin, Irrua, and Auchi. Beneficiaries received a range of equipment, including wet and dry grinding machines, sewing machines, popcorn-making equipment, industrial burners, and point-of-sale machines.
Delivering the keynote address, Prophetess Okodugha commended the governor for supporting widows via the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. Reflecting on her own experience, she said, “What gave me the passion to support widows was knowing the pain my mother suffered after we lost our father. We started this journey in 2018, and I am grateful that God gave me a space in Benin City to help more widows.”
She continued: “What I am doing now started in 2018. What gave me the vision or the passion to do what I am doing? I know what we suffered when we lost our daddy. My mommy was so vulnerable that she had to go to the bush to fetch firewood to make sure we ate. Sometimes it pains me that my mommy did not wait to eat the fruit of her labour.
“I’m looking for a time when I will go out of the city and go to a rural area, go to villages where they are. To meet them there and help them.” Referencing 2nd Kings chapter 4 verse 7, the Prophetess encouraged the beneficiary widows to use the items judiciously so that they can empower others.
Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the secretary to Edo state government Nimata Umal Ikilo stressed the significance of the day and called for an end to harmful widowhood practices. “Widowhood is often the beginning of lifelong oppression for many women. We must work tirelessly to ensure that widows have access to justice, legal aid, property rights, and economic empowerment.”
The Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Barrister Bisi Idaomi, reiterated the State government’s commitment. “We have witnessed the struggles and resilience of widows across the State. Today, we reaffirm our determination to provide sustainable support and empowerment.”
Ikpoba Okha Local Government Chairman, Jolly Obosa Ogbeide, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Oil and Gas, Felix Isere, also spoke at the event, highlighting the collective responsibility to support and protect widows.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the equipment received, pledging to use the tools wisely to build better futures for themselves and their families.
International Widows’ Day, observed globally every June 23rd since 2011, aims to draw attention to the unique needs of widows and mobilise support for their empowerment and inclusion.
