By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
The Oko Opo Widows Foundation has called on the Federal Government and state governments across Nigeria to establish a dedicated agency or special unit to address the growing socio-economic challenges facing widows and their dependent children.
The call was made on Tuesday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, by the promoter of the foundation, Ambassador Babatunde Adeyemo, a frontline real estate entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, as part of activities marking this year’s International Widows Day.
Adeyemo said the establishment of a government-backed platform specifically focused on widows would help provide coordinated interventions and long-term support for millions of women who have lost their spouses and are often left to shoulder the burden of caring for their children without adequate assistance.
According to him, governments at the federal, state and local levels should create a special body dedicated to addressing the needs of widows through programmes centred on economic empowerment, access to healthcare, education for dependent children, legal protection and social welfare. He noted that many widows continue to suffer discrimination, poverty and neglect despite their contributions to society.
The real estate mogul explained that the appeal became necessary against the backdrop of the annual observance of International Widows Day on June 23, a United Nations-recognised event established to draw global attention to the poverty, discrimination and injustice experienced by widows and their dependants. He stressed that deliberate policies were required to improve their quality of life and restore their dignity.
Adeyemo recalled the interventions of the Oko Opo Widows Foundation, saying the organisation has over the past three years provided financial support, food items, medical outreach services, educational assistance and other relief materials to hundreds of widows in more than 25 communities across three local government areas of Ogun State. He reiterated his pledge to build dedicated apartments within one of the company’s technology-driven estates to address the housing challenges often faced by widows and their dependent children.
He further disclosed that Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited recently moved and concluded plans to immortalise Mrs Itunnu Jolaoluwa, who until her demise was the Acting General Manager,
Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning,
Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority, by proposing to name a street within one of its estates after her in recognition of her dedication and commitment to the principle of ‘Build Right’ in the state.
Adeyemo said the gesture underscores the firm’s commitment to preserving the legacies of individuals who made meaningful impacts in public service during their lifetime.
According to the multiple awards winning real estate entrepreneur, in her lifetime, late Itunu’s dedication, commitment, and contributions played a significant role in the growth and development of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited.
“Her impact on the organization remains highly appreciated and will not be forgotten,” he said.
Further emphasizing the need to lift the widows, Adeyemo also recalled that through personal philanthropy and corporate social responsibility initiatives under Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, numerous vulnerable widows have benefited from welfare packages, scholarships for their children and other forms of support.
He urged governments, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to join hands in creating lasting structures that would protect widows and guarantee a brighter future for their dependent children.
