by crossriverwatch admin
Widows in Cross River State had cause to smile recently when Partnership Opportunities for Women Empowerment Realization (POWER) under its Giving Life Options to Widows (GLOW) project, presented sewing machines worth thousands of Naira to indigent widows in the state.
Making the presentation at the POWER Head Office in Calabar, the Founder/Board Chair of (POWER), Mrs. Obioma Liyel-Imoke said her NGO collaborated with Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as well as the State Government in presenting the equipment to widows from the 18 Local Governments Areas of the state to enable them earn a living.
While congratulating the beneficiaries Mrs. Imoke cautioned them not to sell the equipment given to them but rather put them to judicious use to better their lots.
She reminded them that GLOW project under the umbrella of POWER is targeted at improving the socio-economic lives of widows through sustainable livelihood; economic empowerment and entrepreneurial development to enable them live happily after the loss of their spouses. “Your lives will not end after the death of your husbands, if you use this equipment judiciously you will enhance as well as empower yourselves”. Mrs. Imoke advised.
She promised to continue to support the widows in all capacity if she gets favorable feedback on their progress.
Earlier, the Executive Director POWER, Tammie Kammonke, said the lucky beneficiaries were carefully chosen. She commended the Founder/Board Chair POWER for being passionate about the less privileged in the society especially widows and children.
She noted that the presentation of sewing machines to vulnerable widows was her own way of identifying with the circumstances these widows were passing through after the death of their loved ones.
The ED, POWER likened the gesture to a seed and urged the beneficiaries not to allow the seed to die. “This presentation is a seed and it will not die in your hands, it will germinate, grow and multiply another seed in your hands” she prayed.
Speaking on behalf of the widows who were all highly elated, a beneficiary from Yakurr Local Government area Mrs Koyonno Richard Okoi thanked the Founder and Board Chair for her empathy and support for all widows in by ensuring that in spite of their widowhood status, they do not suffer.
She prayed for God’s continuous grace, protection and strength to enable the organization continue in its intervention to improve the lives of women in the state.
Mrs. Grace Simon Ogorn from Akamkpa and Mrs. Margaret Oben Odu from Ikom Local Government Area who spoke with journalists after the event also prayed God to continue to protect and bless Mrs. Imoke for her kind gesture.
According to Mrs. Odu “it is a dream come true. “I didn’t believe I could be a beneficiary of this kind gesture. Our Governor’s wife will live forever and God will continue to bless her”. The widow prayed.
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