By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
To commemorate the 2026 International Widows' Day, Mrs. Temitope Adeola, wife of Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola (Yayi), has empowered 3,000 widows across Ogun State through the fifth edition of the CHADASH Widows Empowerment Training Programme held at Ake Palace, Abeokuta
CHADASH Widows Empowerment Programme has continued to expand its impact with each edition, reinforcing efforts to promote economic inclusion, poverty reduction, and grassroots development across Ogun State.
The programme, held at Ake Palace, Abeokuta yesterday 28 June, 2026 which attracted government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, Conveners of women associations and other stakeholders committed to advancing the welfare and economic development of women.
After a two-days initiative training, held between Thursday, June 25 and Saturday, June 27, 2026, took place simultaneously in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, and Ilaro, bringing together widows from the three senatorial districts of the state, powered by CHADASH
The programme was designed to equip widows with practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills to enhance their economic independence and improve their standard of living. Training was provided in tailoring, hairdressing, makeup artistry, and the agricultural value chain.
According to the organisers, the empowerment initiative reflects Mrs. Adeola's commitment to supporting widows through sustainable livelihood opportunities, enabling them to become financially self-reliant and active contributors to their communities.
The event featured goodwill messages, motivational talks, cultural displays, and the presentation of empowerment items to beneficiaries as they receives various empowerment packages, including cash grants, sewing machines, grinding machines, hairdressing equipment, deep freezers, Oven and Gas cylinder, and other business support tools to enhance their economic activities.
Speaking at the programme, the Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, commended CHADASH and the facilitator, Mrs. Temitope Adeola, for her vision and unwavering commitment in improving the lives of widows across the state. She described the initiative as a remarkable intervention that made this year's International Widows' Day celebration both colourful and memorable
Mrs. Abiodun further commend government efforts as a beacon of renew hope that has helped the vulnerable women wipe away tears of widows across Ogun State by equipping them with practical skills and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods through vocational training and economic support, urging beneficiaries to maximise the opportunities provided to become financially independent.
Mrs Temitope Adeola described the programme as another significant step towards promoting inclusive development, strengthening women's economic participation and urges the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the support provided, emphasising that the empowerment initiative should serve as a stepping stone towards financial independence rather than a one-time intervention.
Distinguished guests at the event are her Excellency, Bamidele Abiodun, Mrs Temitope Adeola, Chief Mrs Ogunyemi, Dr. Mrs. Salako, Chief Mrs Amosa, Akintade, Engr. Mrs Agbaje SLG Abeokuta North, Hajia Aminat Adigun, APC State Woman Leader, Ogun State, HON Mrs Toyin Jekami, Mrs Feyikemi Egbeyemi, Rt. Hon. Lateefat Ajayi, Hon. Afolasade Adeyemo, Hon. Titi Oseni, Hon. funmi Afuwape Chief Mrs. Ola Sonde Oduwaye, Alana Abass Oluwayemisi, Alhaja Sarita Adeleye, Alhaja Oluwakemi Oloyede Mrs Obanibasiri Keji, Mrs Sunday Mercy, Evang Ogunsanya Olusola Blessed Hon. Olaseni Koiki, Hon. Oluwafemi Onadeko Odunewu, Chief Mrs Tinwola Olorunwo, HON. Bisi Oyedele - Citiside, Comrade S. F Ojo Among Others
Observers described the programme as another significant step towards promoting inclusive development, strengthening women's economic participation, and enhancing grassroots prosperity.
