By Alfred M Akwe & Abubakar Akwe
Peniel Widowhood and Vulnerable Foundation Centre has been inaugurate in Lafia the State capital, Saturday July 28.
Speaking on the importance of the Centre, Chairman of the occasion, Ambassador Mailafia Yakubu Agabi said there was the need for wealthy individuals in Nasarawa State to invest in the welfare and wellbeing of the Vulnerable in the society, especially widows, orphans and the aged.
Jarman Matasan Arewa Ambassador Mailafia Yakubu Agabi who holds the title of Jarman Matasan Arewa said doing so was inline with scriptural injunctions and also helping humanity.
The unveiling of the Peniel Widowhood and Vulnerable Foundation Centre which took place at De First Crown Luxury Hotel attracted widows from all segment of the society and faith.
Ambassador Agabi while describing widows as a group in the society that requires care and support not only from family members but also from other well-to-do members of society, explained that assistance, no matter how small, can make the significant difference.
Mailafia Agabi, who is also the Majikiran Daddare, expressed sadness over the attitudes of some individuals who waste resources that could be directed to those in need emphasizing that there is great blessing in assisting the vulnerable, urging such individuals to reconsider their priorities.
He commended the convener of the programme for her vision and for the bold initiative, stating that wealth is not measured by how much one possesses, but rather by their ability to impact lives encouraging people to provide assistance, regardless of the amount, as long as it is offered with pure intentions.
The convener of the event and founder of the Peniel Widowhood and Vulnerable Foundation Centre, Mrs. Cecilia Fatima Maikasuwa Dada, shared her childhood experience, recalling how she lost her father at the age of four while living in Jos adding that her mother struggled financially, leading the family while facing many difficulties and coupled with personal experience being a widow also, inspired her to establish the foundation to to care and provide support to widows and the vulnerable.
She challenged widows to shrug off the toga of self pity and rise up and do something that can alleviate their almost usual state at the death of their partners.
She encouraged them to develop self confidence and refuse to yield to temptation of sleeping about with men but rather maintain their chastity, the fear of God and self respect.
She thanked all those that went to support her pet project, assuring that the organisation is well structured and found such that every monies donated will not be abused but channeled towards addressing the plight of those designated.
Krestnews reports that the occasion featured unveiling and donation in support of the Centre as well as presentation support items to sixty widows, comprising mostly of wrappers and food seasonings.
Interestingly the beneficiaries were drawn from all part of the State without regard of religion, ethnic, or political background.
Before presenting the items, the Founder of the Peniel Foundation Centre, Mrs. Maikasuwa Dada described widows as assets rather than liabilities calling on them to shun feelings of inferiority and remain focused, resisting temptations that could tarnish their image suggesting that learning a skill would be a beneficial step towards self-reliance.
Speaking one of the beneficiaries,on behalf of other women, Habiba Kure expressed gratitude to the convener of the programme, explaining that widows face significant challenges and are often left at the mercy of circumstances, with the responsibility of supporting their families becoming a Herculean task and prayed for God’s blessings upon Mrs.Dada for her assistance, promising to make good use of the items received.
Several speakers among whom were Justice Haruna Offo, her elder sister Dorcas from Jos and Reverend Joshua Tuwan of ECWA Good News Church, GRA, Lafia delivered goodwill messages, commending the initiatives of the convener for establishing the Peniel Widowhood and Vulnerable Foundation Centre urging her to ensure the sustainability and continued growth of the foundation, emphasizing the importance of supporting widows and vulnerable individuals in the community.
Reverend Tuwan particularly reminded to know that she chose a service which God is most pleased and urged her to be up and ernest.