MTN Foundation empowers 300 widows in 5 states, FCT

Story By Precious

 

IN  line with its corporate social responsibility, the MTN Foundation has empowered about 300 widows in its Widows Empowerment Scheme programme.

The Executive Secretary of the Foundation, Ms Nonny Ugboma, said that the initiative was aimed at providing business management skills and equipment support to improve the plights of widows in Nigeria.

The beneficiaries were drawn from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Imo, Lagos, Rivers, Sokoto and Taraba states, representing the six geo-political zones of the country.
She said that widowhood presented unique multidimensional challenges for the widows themselves and society, adding that most of the challenges were economic and social in outlook.

'The MTN Foundation Widows Empowerment Scheme is an initiative aimed at providing business management skills and equipment support to initial 300 widows who have been selected from six states across the six geopolitical zones.

'The beneficiaries were carefully assessed using comprehensive vulnerability index analysis questionnaire followed by physical verification.

'Therefore, in the next few months, these women will receive formal training and be presented with their tools of trade in various ceremonies in the FCT, Imo, Lagos, Rivers, Sokoto and Taraba states.

'The MTN Foundation is committed to providing opportunities for widows to increase their access to sustainable livelihood.

'We believe that if given the opportunity, a widow can be a source of inspiration to others and also make valuable contributions to the development of the society,' he said.
She quoted a recent UN report which estimates that about 115 million widows and their children currently live in extreme poverty worldwide.

Ugboma said that economic empowerment of women, including widows, was a critical factor in the eradication of poverty.

She said that the foundation was committed at improving opportunities for widows so as to increase their access to sustainable livelihood.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the initiative was part of activities to commemorate the International Widows Day.

June 23 is celebrated annually as the International Widows' Day. The day brings to fore issues affecting widows, with the aim of improving their plights.