In commemoration of 2026 International Widows’ Day and the fifth edition of its annual Widows’ Empowerment Programme, the Chadash Empowerment Foundation has empowered more than 3,000 widows across Ogun State with cash grants, vocational training and business support, aimed at promoting economic independence and restoring hope.
https://www.digital.zenithbank.com/ZEQ/ZEQ-jan-2026/index.html#p=1The empowerment programme, held at the Ake Palace Amphitheatre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, brought together widows from across the state for a day of capacity building, entrepreneurship support and social inclusion.
As part of the initiative, widows who completed the Foundation’s vocational training programme received business tools to help them establish or expand their enterprises. The tools distributed included sewing machines, grinding machines, hair dryers, makeup kits, deep freezers, and gas cookers. In addition, 2,000 widows received cash grants of ₦50,000 each to strengthen existing businesses, improve household income and enhance their economic resilience.
Speaking at the event, the Founder, Chadash Empowerment Foundation, Adeola Yayi, said the initiative reflects the foundation’s unwavering commitment to empowering widows through sustainable economic opportunities rather than one-time interventions.
According to her, empowering widows extends far beyond financial assistance, as providing practical skills, vocational tools and startup capital equips them to build sustainable livelihoods, regain their confidence and become financially self-reliant.
“Seeing more than 3,000 widows gathered here today with renewed hope and confidence reminds us why we remain committed to restoring dignity, creating opportunities, and empowering vulnerable women to achieve financial independence. At the Chadash Empowerment Foundation, empowerment goes beyond giving; it is about equipping people with the skills, resources, and confidence to build sustainable livelihoods that will positively impact their families and communities,” she said.
Yayi urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the support provided by investing in viable businesses that generate sustainable income and improve their families’ welfare.
“The heartfelt testimonies we continue to receive from our beneficiaries reaffirm our mission. Their stories of renewed hope, restored confidence, and brighter futures inspire us to do even more. Together, we are transforming grief into growth, despair into hope, and challenges into opportunities, ” she added.
Since its inception, the Chadash Empowerment Foundation has impacted more than 15,000 widows across Ogun State and the Federal Capital Territory through vocational training, entrepreneurship support, cash grants, and sustainable livelihood initiatives. The foundation remains committed to expanding its programmes to empower more vulnerable women, foster economic inclusion and strengthen communities across Nigeria.
