In commemoration of International Widows’ Day 2025, Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI) hosted a transformative and deeply moving event themed “Empowering Widows: Building Resilience, Restoring Dignity” on Sunday, 22nd June 2025. The day was devoted to honoring the resilience of widows while advocating for inclusive policies and support systems that restore their dignity and promote sustainable empowerment.
The event brought together widows from across 17 organized women’s clusters, development partners, government agencies, and stakeholders committed to gender equity and social welfare. With every speech, presentation, and gesture of support, the atmosphere was one of solidarity, hope, and renewal.
The highlight of the day was the fulfillment of a life-changing promise made by the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who generously disbursed ₦500,000 to each of the 17 women’s clusters in attendance. This critical financial support, under the Renewed Hope Social Impact Programme for Widows, is aimed at enabling skill acquisition and promoting financial independence among the widows.
We are especially grateful for the unwavering support of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose visionary leadership and compassion continue to create tangible impacts in the lives of vulnerable women across the country. Their commitment, alongside that of the Honorable Minister, reflects a strong national resolve to restore dignity and hope to widows.
In further demonstration of multi-sectoral support, Dr. Salamatu Belgore, the Acting Director of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, and her dedicated team enrolled all participating widows into the free health insurance scheme. This ensures that these women can now access quality healthcare without the burden of cost—an essential pillar in rebuilding lives and strengthening community resilience.
We also acknowledge the instrumental role of Premium Trust Bank, which facilitated the opening of free bank accounts for widows who had previously been financially excluded. This gesture goes beyond banking, it paves the way for access to credit, savings, and full participation in economic life.
