Yuletide: CBA Foundation empowers underprivileged widows in Anambra

As part of the yuletide celebration, the Chinwe Bode-Akinwande (CBA) Foundation, a non-governmental organisation in Nigeria, has reached out to four communities in Nnewi, Anambra State.

The event, which was held on Friday, December 24, 2021 saw over 75 widows from four communities going home with food items and financial empowerment to celebrate the festive season.

Commenting on the initiative, Founder / President of the CBA Foundation, Mrs. Chinwe Bode Akinwande, said the basis for diligently driving the foundation is derived from the passion and need to impact the lives of underprivileged widows who have gone through pain and discrimination and might have lost hope.

“We are embarking on the outreach at this festive season, so they (widows) can at least have something to eat and share with their loved ones.

“We give hope to the hopeless. We are driven to support underprivileged widows to have a positive outlook on life despite the problems they experience by losing their loved one, mostly the breadwinner of the family.”

Meanwhile, in furtherance of its mission to continually protect the well-being of underprivileged widows in Nigeria, the Foundation has launched a Social Enterprise Initiative (SEI), which is aimed at ensuring the long-term sustenance of widows’ welfare as well as their children.

The initiative, catered to the financial, mental and physical health needs of 165 widows across six communities in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. The communities include: Badore, Iberekodo, Museyo, Magbon Alade, Okunola Ilado and Magbon Iga.

The Social Enterprise Initiative provides comprehensive support, including skill acquisition, health intervention, business set-up, food and drinks, clothes and shoes, and support for the affected widows.

Speaking on the initiative, Mrs. Bode-Akinwande, said: “We have been doing outreaches and it has been non-stop delight for us, but the essence of this Social Enterprise Initiative is for them to have something that will sustain them even for a longer period of time. Something that will give them hope, knowing that they have a sustainable source of livelihood and activity that reminds them that they need to keep going.”

Through First Bank of Nigeria’s partnership with Vision Spring, the Foundation was able to cater for several vision-impaired widows.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Abiola Jacob, attempted suicide few weeks ago, thankfully some fishermen found her and they were able to identify her as one of the adapted widow of CBA Foundation and they brought her to us.

Speaking, the excited woman said: “All this day, I use to think before they (CBA Foundation) came and ask me what I want to do, I told them if I can see someone that will help me. I really thank God and I thank the place they provide all this item, I pray God will continue to provide for them and bless them.”