By Esther Onyegbula

A Non-Governmental Organization, led by legal practitioner Mrs. Edirin Essiet, Executive Director and Convener of Total Life Concern (TLC), has empowered 10 widows across three states with cash gifts totaling N2.5M, providing each widow with N250,000 to sustain their business capital and alleviate their struggles.

Mrs. Edirin Essiet made this known during the Widows Outreach empowerment scheme held recently in Lagos.

The widows, who were from Lagos, Benin (Edo), and Uyo (Akwa Ibom), where the organization is based, received support in a bid to bring hope and the assurance that despite their challenges, they are not forgotten.

Essiet expressed concern over the harsh economic conditions in the country, which have severely impacted widows. She urged corporate organizations and individuals to extend their assistance to widows nationwide.

She explained that due to the current economic situation, the NGO was able to empower 10 widows in its September Widows Outreach with cash gifts and hopes to support more widows before the end of the month with regular starter business packs.

Essiet encouraged the widows to remain determined and trust in God, assuring them that God would always provide helpers.

She also called on well-meaning Nigerians to support the NGO’s efforts to empower the less privileged, especially widows in society.

Several widows testified at the ceremony, sharing how Mrs. Essiet had transformed their lives through various empowerment initiatives. One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Roseline Ogbeide, who has been a widow for the past 13 years, said, “It has been difficult to make ends meet, but God has used this initiative to open doors and create opportunities for us as widows.”