*Do not succumb to depression— Wife of Oyo Deputy Gov urges widows* *…As OWLPF Founder, Ojewale describes Ajibola Lawal as a kind philanthropist, achiever

*…As OWLPF Founder, Ojewale describes Ajibola Lawal as a kind philanthropist, achiever*

The Wife of Oyo State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Ajibola Lawal, has urged widows not to succumb to depression but to remain steadfast in their faith and embrace life with optimism.

She made this appeal on Wednesday at an empowerment programme organized by the Onimole Widows and the Less Privileged Forum in the Ibadan North East Local Government Area of the state.

Mrs. Ajibola Lawal, who was accompanied by the wife of the commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Yeye Fauziat Adelabu, and the Supervisory Councillor for Women Affairs and Special Duties in Irepo Local Government, Hon. (Mrs.) Yeye Adenike Aderibigbe Fauziyat Remi-Olarinde; emphasized the importance of faith and resilience in overcoming the challenges of widowhood.

She encouraged widows to prioritise love and unity in their families, stressing that their children are their greatest assets.

“As a widow, it is important to stand firm in your faith, whether as a Christian or a Muslim, and remain prayerful.

“With God, all things are possible, and through Him, you and your children will experience His abundant blessings.

“Let love reign supreme between you and your children because they are your future and the greatest gift you have. Nurturing a strong bond with them will bring fulfilment and joy,” Mrs Lawal added.

While dismissing the notion that widowhood should lead to loneliness and despair, the wife of Oyo Deputy Governor urged widows to see it as an opportunity to move forward with strength and purpose.

She equally encouraged widows to embrace happiness, maintain their appearance, and build positive relationships.

In her words: “Being a widow does not mean you should be depressed or lonely. Instead, see it as a challenge to move on with your life. It is a divine arrangement by God, and everyone has their own challenges.

“It is not wrong for a widow to be happy, look good always, and associate with the right people,” she stated. “Surround yourself with those who uplift you and continue to live a fulfilling and meaningful life”.

The Coordinator for Widows in Oyo State, Alhaja Adejoke Binta, said the empowerment programme was aimed to “support widows and the less privileged with financial assistance, skill acquisition training, and donation of essential items to participants.”

Also speaking, the Associate Director of ST International Limited, Mr. Oke Temitayo, urged the widows to “venture into online businesses, such as online investments, that can boost their financial lives and change their narratives.”

One of the widows, Risikat Ishola, expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as “a source of encouragement and support in her journey.”

The Founder of OWLPF, Elizabeth Ojewale, said she developed the habit of helping the less privileged before she retired as a civil servant, after which the Forum was formed.

She said, “I intuitively sensed the plight of many Tuberculosis patients who were attending our clinic as our patients. Many of them could not afford to buy the water needed to swallow their prescribed drugs. This in a way was making many of them to default.

“I thus decided to be supplying all the T.B. patients with snatched water and proteinous food substances to enhance healing. This I did until I retired from Civil Service. But the idea did not die, especially with the full support of Chief (Mrs) Ajibola Lawal, who at that time was not wearing the title of “Her Excellency”. She is a kind philanthropist and an achiever by her Nature.

“The funding of the Forum has been coming from friends and associates. My husband, Prof. Sunday Ojewale, and our children have also been supporting the project in the best way they can.”

The event had in attendance several dignitaries including widows across Oyo state.