The quest to champion and proffer empowerment solutions to the challenging conditions faced by widows has continued to be the motivation behind the programmes of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL), through the Widows Support Centre (WSC). This remark was made by the founder of CVL, Prof. Pat Utomi, at the Christmas party organized for widows by the CVL WSC at 1, Afinni Street, Off Ibezim Obiajulu/Adelabu Street, Surulere, Lagos, on Wednesday, December 17, 2014. He further emphasized that the widows should remain committed to the programmes of the WSC because so much has been planned for their benefit in 2015. The founder also encouraged the widows who had received interest-free micro credit loans to be prompt in their repayment so that their friends can also benefit from the scheme. The event had in attendance the Women of Grace widows, their children and other distinguished guests representing the CVL board and partners. In presenting materials that included Ankara, food items and drinks, Utomi praised individuals and organisations who had been generous in supporting this year’s Christmas party, such as, Mrs. Phil Okonkwo, Prof. (Mrs.) Elebute, The board and staff of CVL, Nigerian Breweries, and Algrain Foods. Mrs. Phil Okonkwo, who was represented by Ms. Chichi Okonkwo, lauded the WSC initiative of CVL and pledged to continue to support their activities. In his remarks, Mr. Uchenna Achunine (ED. CVL), appreciated the widows for their commitment to the programmes of the WSC and promised better programmes for 2015. He said: “Spread the message to other widows and encourage them to be part of the activities of the centre. We need to support each other”. The highpoints of the event were the observation of a minute silence for the departed souls, the cutting of the Christmas cake as a mark of thanksgiving for the privilege of life, a drama presentation themed, “Widows’ Survival Struggle”, by a cultural troupe led by a widow’s son, and the presentation of Christmas packages to the widows. The widows, who were very happy, gave testimonies of how they have been surviving personal struggles and blessed God for the wonderful work Prof. Pat Utomi is doing through the CVL WSC. In the words of Mrs. Dedewo, President of Women of Grace widows: “We have always benefitted from the programmes of the WSC, and we look forward with high hopes to more wonderful programmes in 2015”.The event also witnessed a prayer session led by Pastor Joseph Amaregbeni, who prayed for God’s continued favour, guidance, protection and provision for the widows. The CVL WSC was founded in 2001 to support widows through empowerment programmes to enable them enjoy an independent future.
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