By Stella Williams
The atmosphere at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, was charged with emotion, gratitude, and renewed purpose as the Chinwe Bode-Akinwande (CBA) Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary. Themed “Empowering Women in Nigeria: Breaking the Circle of Poverty and Vulnerability,” the milestone event brought together partners, beneficiaries, and advocates for a decade of impact and inspiration.
From humble beginnings to a powerful movement for widow empowerment, the CBA Foundation has become a beacon of hope for thousands of women who have found strength, support, and a voice through its interventions. The anniversary celebration was not just a look back at achievements but a heartfelt recommitment to a mission born from compassion and faith.
The convener and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, stood before an audience of over 150 guests, her words resonating with conviction and warmth. “Government is one, I am one, and you are also part of government,” she declared. “This little light of ours, let’s make it shine.”
She painted a simple yet powerful picture. “Imagine if everyone in this room decides to look out for just one widow today—that’s 150 widows empowered instantly. Make it two, and it becomes 300; make it four, that’s 600. The ripple effect never ends.” The audience responded with applause, inspired by her call to personal responsibility and shared humanity.
Mrs. Bode-Akinwande’s message was clear: empowerment begins with individuals making small but consistent contributions toward collective change. “We want the government to come in wherever they can, but our advocacy must continue,” she said. “We also rely on the support of kind-hearted individuals and corporate sponsors who believe in our cause.”
She proudly acknowledged organizations that have stood by the Foundation, such as the Tolaram Group, producers of Colgate and Power Oil, who have consistently provided in-kind donations. “Well-meaning Nigerians who understand the plight we are addressing give freely,” she noted. “Their generosity fuels our work and reminds us that compassion still thrives.”
Reflecting on the journey so far, Mrs. Bode-Akinwande admitted that the path had not always been smooth. “In ten years, we have had challenges, but they do not deter us,” she said. “Instead, they propel us to aim higher and do better. Every obstacle becomes a reminder of why we began this mission.”
Her dream, she revealed, extends beyond temporary relief. “It is my desire to build homes where widows can live safely, free from the fear of snakes or crumbling walls. They deserve dignity and comfort. We believe it’s possible—it’s only a matter of choice and commitment.”
At the heart of CBA Foundation’s success is its community-driven approach. “We reach out to communities through their Baales and traditional leaders,” she explained. “They help us identify genuine widows in need of support. We also partner across faiths—with churches, mosques, and media organizations—to ensure that our outreach touches every corner.”
Each outreach, she said, goes beyond material support. “When they come, we counsel, we build their database, and then we support them. We don’t just give—they also gain a sense of belonging and hope.”
For Mrs. Bode-Akinwande, the Foundation is not just an initiative—it is a calling. “This is a vision God placed in my heart,” she shared softly. “It’s about giving a voice to underprivileged widows and their children, extending hope, and showing that kindness can rebuild broken lives.”
The anniversary celebration featured testimonials, performances, and heartfelt tributes from beneficiaries who shared stories of transformation through the Foundation’s interventions. Their voices filled the hall with emotion, each testimony reinforcing the ripple effect of kindness.
One of the event’s memorable highlights came from spoken-word artist, Breakthrough Adeleke, who performed an inspiring piece on resilience and womanhood. Moved by the Foundation’s work, she appealed for its outreach to be extended to her hometown in Oyo State.
Adeleke shared that her father, a clergyman and member of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), would gladly host the Foundation’s next outreach to give widows in their community a platform for empowerment. Her words echoed the Foundation’s vision—spreading light, one community at a time.
As the curtains fell on the celebration, the message lingered: one act of kindness can transform countless lives. For the CBA Foundation, ten years is only the beginning. With every helping hand, every shared resource, and every voice raised for justice, that “little light” continues to shine—brighter, stronger, and farther across Nigeria.
