Ex-minister urges assistance for widows

Former Minister of State for Education, Dr. Jerry Agada has called on Nigerians to assist widows and the less privileged.

He made the call while launching the newly formed non-governmental organization called Foundation for Passion and Genuine Hope (FOPAGH) in Abuja.

Agada said providing succour to widows and those who have suffered deprivation is tantamount to doing the work of God.

He commended the founder of FOPAGH Mrs. Nneka Vivian Atuanya for establishing the NGO saying as someone who has undergone the rigours of widowhood herself it was worthwhile giving back to the society.

Executive Director African Centre for Leadership Development Dr. Otive Igbuzor in his key note address said widows and widowers were treated differently in Nigeria.

“While the widower is comforted the widow is subjected to pain and harmful practices. Widowhood is associated with pain especially when the widow has no business or education to fall back on,” he said.

Represented by Dr. Orji Ogbureke, he said interventions that can alleviate the plight of widows include abolition of harmful traditional practices, survivors benefit scheme, establishment of counseling centres for widows, and protection of their rights among others.