By Stella Williams
The Chief Executive Officer and Convener of the Chinwe Bode-Akinwande (CBA) Foundation, Mrs. Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, has called on Nigerians to support widows and vulnerable women as part of efforts to break the cycle of poverty and hardship in the country.
She made the call during the Foundation’s 10th anniversary celebration held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, with the theme “Empowering Women in Nigeria: Breaking the Circle of Poverty and Vulnerability.”
Addressing reporters at the event, Mrs. Bode-Akinwande said the Foundation’s 10-year journey had been guided by compassion, resilience, and a commitment to improving the lives of widows and their children.
She emphasised the need for collective responsibility in tackling widowhood-related poverty, noting that every citizen had a role to play in creating change.
According to her, empowering widows should not be left to government alone but should be a shared duty among citizens, communities, and the private sector.
“Like I always say, government is one, I am one, and you are also part of government. This little light of ours, let’s make it shine,” she said.
She explained that small, consistent acts of kindness could have a significant impact if every Nigerian took ownership of community development.
“Imagine if everyone in this room—about 150 people—decides to look out for just one widow today, that’s empowering 150 widows instantly. You make it two, that’s 300; you make it four, that’s 600, and the number will keep increasing,” she added.
Mrs. Bode-Akinwande noted that while the Foundation had faced challenges in its decade-long journey, those obstacles had strengthened its determination to continue advocating for widows’ welfare.
She said the organisation had received support from both individuals and corporate sponsors, including Tolaram Group, makers of Colgate and Power Oil, through donations and partnerships that sustained its outreach activities.
“We will continue our advocacy and remain on the lookout for grants and support,” she said. “Well-meaning Nigerians who understand the cause we pursue have been giving generously, and their support keeps us going.”
Highlighting future goals, she said the Foundation hoped to establish safe housing facilities for widows living in poor and unsafe environments, where many face health and security challenges.
“It is my desire to build homes where widows can live with dignity, free from the dangers of the unsafe places where some currently reside,” she stated.
Mrs. Bode-Akinwande explained that the Foundation identifies genuine widows through traditional rulers and community leaders, ensuring that assistance reaches those who truly need it.
“For every community, there is a king and local leaders who can help us verify and reach real widows,” she said. “We also collaborate with churches, mosques, and media partners to spread awareness about our programmes.”
She said the Foundation’s outreach programmes include counselling, database development, and financial and material support, aimed at restoring hope and helping widows rebuild their lives.
“CBA Foundation is a calling and a vision to look after underprivileged widows and their children, to give them a voice and extend hope,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, spoken-word artist Breakthrough Adeleke commended the Foundation’s efforts and called for similar initiatives to reach widows in other parts of the country.
Adeleke, daughter of a clergyman and member of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), appealed for the Foundation to extend its outreach to Oyo town, where many widows also face difficult living conditions.
The event, which marked a decade of advocacy and empowerment, brought together partners, donors, and well-wishers, reaffirming the Foundation’s mission to uplift widows and vulnerable women across Nigeria.
