Bala Wunti Seeks More Support, Empowerment For Widows

A Bauchi State-based philanthropist, Dr Bala Maijama’a Wunti, has called on government at all levels, development partners, community leaders and wealthy individuals to intensify efforts toward empowering widows and addressing the socio-economic challenges confronting them.

Wunti made the call in a statement issued on his behalf by the chief communication officer of the Bala Wunti Support Organisation, Abubakar Al-Sadique, in commemoration of the annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of widows around the world.

According to the statement, widows remain among the most vulnerable groups in society, often facing economic hardship, social exclusion, limited access to opportunities, and the enormous responsibility of providing for their families under difficult circumstances.

Dr. Wunti noted that while many widows continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and strength in the face of adversity, more deliberate interventions are required to ensure they have access to sustainable livelihoods, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

“World Widows Day serves as an important reminder of our collective responsibility to support widows and create an environment where they can live with dignity, security, and hope.

“Governments, private sector actors, philanthropists, and community leaders must work together to empower widows through targeted programmes that promote self-reliance and economic independence,” the statement said.

The APC stalwart reaffirmed his longstanding commitment to supporting vulnerable women, particularly widows, divorcees, and other disadvantaged groups across Bauchi State through humanitarian interventions and empowerment initiatives implemented by the Bala Wunti Support Organisation.

The statement recalled that during the last Ramadan period, BWSO donated hundreds of bags of rice to widows and divorcees in Unguwar Kur Wayar Makafi community in Bauchi metropolis following an appeal by members of the group who were struggling to feed their families during the fasting period.

It further highlighted several other interventions undertaken by the Bala Wunti Support Organisation, including food distribution programmes, vocational skills acquisition initiatives for women, support for internally displaced persons, and economic empowerment schemes aimed at improving livelihoods and reducing poverty among vulnerable households.

Dr. Wunti stressed that empowering widows goes beyond providing temporary relief, emphasizing the need for sustainable programmes that equip women with skills, access to capital, and opportunities for entrepreneurship.

“When widows are empowered, families become stronger, children have better opportunities, and communities become more stable and prosperous.”

Wunti noted that supporting widows in our society now is not merely an act of charity; it is an investment in the social and economic development of our society.

He further urged policymakers to strengthen social protection programmes and introduce policies that protect widows from discrimination, deprivation, and other forms of social injustice.

While celebrating the courage, resilience, and contributions of widows across Bauchi State and Nigeria, Dr. Wunti assured that BWSO would continue to champion initiatives designed to uplift vulnerable women and expand opportunities for their economic empowerment and social inclusion.

He called on all well-meaning individuals and organizations to join hands in supporting widows and ensuring that no woman is left behind due to circumstances beyond her control.

“Together, we can build a society where widows are not defined by their loss, but empowered by the opportunities available to them to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development,” the statement added.