Osun First Lady Empowers 200 Young Widows, Seeks Support for Adeleke’s Re-election

The First Lady of Osun State, Chief Mrs. Titilola Adebusola Adeleke, on Tuesday empowered 200 young widows across the state with financial grants aimed at boosting their businesses and improving their economic wellbeing.

The empowerment programme, organised by the Imole Osun Development and Rekindled Hope Foundation, was designed to enhance the financial independence of young widows and strengthen their means of livelihood.

Speaking during the event, Mrs. Adeleke said the initiative was more than a welfare intervention, describing it as an investment in the future of widows across the state.

She urged the beneficiaries to channel the grants into viable businesses that would generate sustainable income and improve the standard of living of their families.

“This programme is designed to provide not just immediate relief, but also an opportunity for economic growth. Today, we are not just distributing financial grants; we are reaffirming our commitment to improving the lives of widows across our state. Every woman deserves the opportunity to live with dignity and become economically self-reliant,” she said.

The First Lady encouraged the beneficiaries to make prudent use of the financial support, stressing that it should serve as a foundation for expanding their businesses and achieving long-term economic stability.

She also used the occasion to canvass support for the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the forthcoming governorship election, citing what she described as the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and women development.

Mrs. Adeleke commended the Imole Osun Development and Rekindled Hope Foundation for partnering with the state government on the initiative, noting that the programme reflected the administration’s commitment to empowering women and supporting vulnerable groups.

She equally appreciated Governor Ademola Adeleke for his support for programmes targeted at improving the welfare and economic prosperity of residents.

In her remarks, the Director of Gender Affairs, Mrs. Lola Adewale, described the programme as a significant intervention that would positively impact the lives of young widows across Osun State.

She urged the beneficiaries not to see themselves as helpless despite their circumstances, but to remain resilient, take advantage of available opportunities and contribute meaningfully to society.

Adewale also praised the First Lady for championing initiatives that promote women’s empowerment and social inclusion, saying the intervention underscored the administration’s commitment to the welfare of vulnerable residents.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Widows Affairs, Mrs. Adenike Adeleke, lauded the First Lady for her continuous support for widows in the state.

According to her, the financial grants would enable many beneficiaries to expand existing businesses or establish new sources of livelihood, urging them to utilise the support responsibly.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Raheem Adizat from Ede North Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to the First Lady and the state government, saying the grant would help improve her business and ease the burden of caring for her family.

The empowerment programme is part of the Osun State Government’s broader social protection initiatives aimed at promoting economic inclusion and improving the livelihoods of women and other vulnerable groups across the state.