Why Widows, Other Vulnerable Nigerians Must Be EMPOWERED – Gbadewole

Founder of MaryCrown Foundation, Dr Olubunmi Mary Gbadewole, has stressed the need for sustained empowerment of widows, the underprivileged and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

Gbadewole stated this in Abuja yesterday at the National Stakeholders’ Security Dialogue organised to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Police Cooperation.

She spoke after she was recognised as a Peace Advocate by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) in Abuja.

The dialogue, which brought together representatives of government, security agencies, civil society organisations, the humanitarian community and the private sector, was held under the theme, “Policing for Peace: Building Synergy for a Safer Nigeria.”

The event provided a platform for stakeholders to examine ways to strengthen institutional collaboration, community engagement, dialogue, and collective action to tackle security challenges and promote peace and stability across the country.

Gbadewole, who has focused her humanitarian initiatives on the less privileged, widows and other vulnerable groups, said empowering vulnerable Nigerians was critical to building a more inclusive and peaceful society.

Her empowerment initiatives in 2026 have reportedly reached about 4,000 beneficiaries, providing practical support to improve livelihoods, restore hope, and enable vulnerable people to contribute meaningfully to society.

One of her notable community development projects is the construction of a primary healthcare centre in Kobi Community, Asokoro, Abuja.

Stakeholders noted that Gbadewole’s combination of entrepreneurship, philanthropy and community-focused interventions demonstrates the important role responsible private-sector leaders can play in complementing government efforts in human development and peaceful coexistence.

The recognition, they added, would place greater responsibility on her to leverage her experience in humanitarian service, peacebuilding, empowerment, social inclusion and sustainable community development.

Speaking at the event, IAWPA International Spokesman, Ambassador Dr Emmanuel Nkweke, said the initiative was established to recognise individuals whose service contributes meaningfully to peace, human development and social stability.

Also speaking, IAWPA International Director, Prof. Chidi Ehiriodo, congratulated Gbadewole on the recognition and urged her to sustain her humanitarian interventions while using the new responsibility to deepen her contribution to peacebuilding and social development in Nigeria.