By Jemi EKUNKUNBOR

The plight of widows and economically disadvantaged women and their children was last weekend, re-echoed in Asaba as wife of the Delta State governor, Mrs Roli Uduaghan formerly presented and launched her pet project, the Mastercare Foundation and Masterccare Foundation book, “A call to serve” that chronicles the activities of the foundation since inception.

The event which took place at the Dome on Okpanam road, drew an unprecedented crowd of women from the 25 local government areas of the state who came gaily dressed in different colourful attires as they sang group songs in support of the foundation and the First Lady, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan who was not only performing her first official duty as first lady in that state but who will be the only first lady to be hosted by the state.

In a welcome address, Mrs Roli Uduaghan, said the foundation was established to assist in facilitating the human capital development agenda of the state government. She described the foundations objective as being able to “provide economic support that will enable widows engage in more productive and rewarding economic activities which will help them to attain a higher standard of life”. Some of the activities include, free eye treatment, provision of skill acquisition equipment such as canoes, motorcycles, as well as public enlightenment campaign on various social issues.

While noting that the work ahead is enormous, she appealed to all Deltans and indeed Nigerians to find a place in their hearts for the less proviledged women and children.

Delivering a key note address, MD Bank of Industry, Mrs Evelyn Opute said the time has come for government to pay immediate and urgent attention to the needs of women.

According to her, “any nation that is serious about development cannot set aside the aspirations of women. She added that “it is only when women are fully empowered that we can say we are truly committed to development”

She pointed out that of the one million illiterate of the world, women constitute 62% while of the 6.2billion poor, 70% are women. Many of these women who live in rural areas, lack access to water, family planning service and suffer from poor health. She said if nothing is done to address these issues, their children may be caught in this vicious cycle of poverty. Mrs Opute pledged her bank’s support for Mastercare Foundaetion saying, “I think this is the way to go”.

In her address, Dame patience Goodluck Jonathan commended the vision of Mastercare Foundation for bringing joy, good health and sustainable development to the door step of Deltans. She also noted that “it is heart warming when those in priviledged positions spare a thought for the weak, helpless and powerless members of the communities in which they operate. She urged Mrs Uduaghan to do more to improve the lives and enhance the future of the citizens of Delta State.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan was emphatic in his brief speech when he declared “widows will not be punished in this state. They will be supported”. He appealed to traditional rulers to do away with practices that are unhealthy and rather encourage and support women when they lose their husbands”.

Dame Patience Jonathan later unveiled the master care book, formerly commissioned the Done and also presented canoes and other skill acquisition tools to some widows.

The event was spiced with comedy acts by popular comedian AY who left the guests in stitches with his wise cracks.

Chairman of the occasion, professor Grace Alele Williams who recently became a widow herself, urged women to donate in cash and kind no matter how small to a cause that will raise the social economic level of women especially widows in Delta State.