In a landmark event that brought together compassion, empowerment, and solidarity, the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), in collaboration with the Late Police Officers Wives Association (LAPOWA), Kogi State Chapter, hosted its maiden edition of the International Widows’ Day Celebration with the theme “From Grief to Strength.”
The historic event, held at the POWA Secretariat in Lokoja, was graced by the warm representation of POWA Chairperson, Dr. (Mrs.) Bessie Dantawaye, ably represented by Mrs. Sherifat Lola Placid, a member of the POWA Board Management Team.
In her heartfelt address, she extolled the resilience and fortitude of widows, commending their patience and survival instincts in the face of life’s toughest trials. She urged them to foster harmonious relationships with their late husbands’ families and embrace skill acquisition as a means of financial stability, reminding them that “no one knows when the evil day may come.”
The guest speaker, Mrs Christiana Omowumi, who is the CEO of H&C Company and a widow, gave a stirring testimony of her journey from despair to triumph. She encouraged the women, saying, “As a widow, you are not weak but strong, not rejected but accepted, not dead but alive.” Her words lit up the hall with renewed hope and purpose, inspiring the widows to press forward with prayers, diligence, and confidence.
To further support the widows, the guest speaker generously pledged a cash donation of ₦1,050,000 to twenty-one (21) Widows, a gesture met with joy and deep appreciation.
In response, Mrs. Hasina Michael, LAPOWA State Coordinator and one of the beneficiaries, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the organizers and guest speaker. She noted how the program and testimony had positively impacted her and inspired the entire LAPOWA community with a true “grass to grace” story.
The ceremony concluded on a joyful note as all participants received valuable packages and welfare gifts, such as rice, detergents, Maggi, noodles among other items bringing smiles and a sense of belonging to the faces of the widows in attendance.
This event marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to uplift, support, and empower widows within the police community and beyond.
