A faith-based organisation, His Heavenly Light Ministry providing health care services and succour for the vulnerable members of the society has solicited for partnership with the government, corporate organisations and well- meaning individuals to alleviate poverty in the country.
Speaking at the fourth session of its widows support programme held at the ministry’s headquarters in Lagos, the convener of the programme, Rev. Dr. Cecelia A. Onitiri said her ministry has been supporting 50 widows at each session saying the number has increased to 100 to allow for participation of more widows.
Amid paucity of funds, Onitiri said she believes that the Lord who called her will provide the enablement and send helpers to assist her in her effort at improving the plight of the widows.
“She said, “Of greater concern are the very young widows with very young babies and children. What could have taken away their husbands at their prime? Society has to do something. There is the need to find out why the men are dying at such young ages living with their young wives and children to face the hardships of life alone without any companions or help. Very sad indeed.”
According to her, since the inception of the programme, the ministry has provided medical support for the widows, saying the ministry is very grateful for the support given by Kleinberg Medical Centre Victoria Island led by its Medical Director, Dr.Akeem Anifowose
“They have been a great partner, examining the widows and providing drugs on the spot. This year, we had a team of four Doctors, four nurses, a Pharmacist and of course Dr. Akeem himself, always present and supporting.”
Onitiri added that, “We offer very lucrative palliatives for the families, including clothing and sumptuous lunch. We make sure they are properly cared for, happy and satisfied.”
The highlight of the programme was the distribution of N20,000 cheques to all the 100 participating widows who were properly educated on how to invest the money and how to keep proper accounts.