ABEOKUTA — Chief Promoter of the Oko Opó Widows Foundation, Ambassador Babatunde Adeyemo, has pledged to leverage his professional goodwill, corporate networks and business connections to empower widows in Ogun State and create sustainable economic opportunities for them.
Adeyemo made the pledge on Friday at the inauguration of the Ogun State branch of the WAZOBIA Widows Welfare Association.
He said the inauguration marked a significant milestone in efforts to protect, empower and uplift widows, describing them as resilient women who form the bedrock of many families.
According to him, while the Federal Government continues to demonstrate commitment to social investment and welfare, non-governmental organisations and foundations have an important role to play in translating public policies into tangible benefits at the grassroots.
“Governance is a partnership. Organisations like WAZOBIA Widows and Oko Opó Widows Foundation bridge the critical gap between public policy and grassroots impact,” he said.
Adeyemo who was decorated at the occasion as a special guest of honour and life patron, extended financial support to the association, urging members not to allow their circumstances to define them, assuring that their struggles were recognised and that there was also hope for a better future.
“To our indefatigable widows: your tears are seen, your struggles are acknowledged, and today, your hope is officially rekindled. You are not defined by your loss, but by your incredible strength,” he said.
The real real estate entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, a big player in the Nigerian real estate sector, stressed that genuine empowerment should go beyond charity, noting that sustainable structures were required to help widows achieve economic independence.
He said his foundation would focus on skills development, mentorship and financial inclusion as part of efforts to transform the vulnerabilities of widows into economic strength.
“True empowerment cannot rely on charity alone; it requires sustainable structures. I pledge to leverage my professional goodwill, corporate networks, and business integrity to create viable economic pathways for you,” Adeyemo said.
He added: “We will transform your vulnerabilities into economic strength through skills, mentorship, and financial inclusion. My reputation is your shield, and my network is your platform for emancipation.”
Adeyemo called for collective efforts to build a society where widows would not be left vulnerable to oppression, while congratulating the newly inaugurated executive members of the WAZOBIA Widows Welfare Association, Ogun State branch.
He expressed optimism that the new branch would expand its activities and positively impact widows across the state.
Earlier in her speech, the state coordinator, Pastor (Mrs) Adesola Oluwatoyin Adesola, identified financial difficulties, unemployment, lack of business capital, funding their children’s education, and limited access to government empowerment programmes as some of the major challenges confronting the over 3,000 members of the association in the state.
Adesola said these challenges informed their decision to come together as one family, encourage one another, and seek meaningful solutions to their plight.
WAZOBIA Widows Welfare Association, which has chapters across the country, was the brainchild of Ambassador (Mrs) Binta Adejoke Aminu.
