-Calls for more sponsors
Every Christmas is a delight for widows in Nnewi as the “Favoured Widows Foundation” (FWF, Nnewi Chapter) empowers and gift widows in Nnewi and its environs.
The end of the year event which was held yesterday, 19th December 2019, at the Obi Nnewichi hall, Nnewi, Anambra State had over 200 widows in attendance. The event was sponsored by Ndi Nnewi in Houston-Texas, USA. The event had Mrs. Chizoba Gloria Onweluzor, who also equals as the Proprietress of Havillah Royal School and the Librarian of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital as the MC for the day.
The “Favoured Widows Foundation” (FWF) is a widows foundation based in Nnewi, Anambra State. The convener and founder of the foundation, Mrs. Onyejiaka Nonye, said the vision was laid into her heart to minister to the widows. Mrs. Onyejiaka said she started this movement in Nkwere, Imo State in 2010.further to this, God instructed her to establish this forum in Nnewi where she is residing. Hence the forum was established in 2011. As of last year 2018, the total number of women in the Village was 127 and that of Nnewi was 386 during their annual Solemn Assembly.
The theme of this year’s event was tagged “Widow’s Rights”. According to Evang. Tonia Asomugha, who spoke to the widows, she encouraged the women to be strong and entrepreneurial. Evang. Tonia Asomugha who is also a widow herself encouraged the women to know their rights, and use the law when they face inheritance oppression. She encouraged them to also be givers and not only receivers.
The women who showed up in their numbers at the event were highly elated to be part of the event. The FWF and Ndi Nnewi in Houston-Texas were also prepared to deliver on their promises.
READ ALSO: Nnewi Anglican Priest Splashes Gifts on Widows to Celebrate his Birthday
According to a representative of the Ndi-Nnewi in Houston-Texas, who wishes to remain anonymous, he stated that this is their own way of giving back to their community and society. He also stated, according to their promise last year, that the group will empower 67 women this year, which is 20 more women.
The joyous women were gifted with an undisclosed amount, to help them start-up small scale businesses. Others were gifted with wrappers(fabrics), others Daily Guide – Bible reading aid which will help them for their personal devotion.
One of the recipients of the Cash gift and also the oldest woman present, Mrs. Paulina Ugboaja from Akaboukwu, Uruagu. Mrs. Paulina who spoke in her local dialect(Igbo) said her heart is full of joy just like her name Paulina, Paulina. She said she came without any expectations and was surprised at the money and the new walking stick, she received. Mama Paulina danced and showered prayers of wealth, joy on the group.
In another interview with the convener and founder FWF, Mrs. Onyejiaka Nonye, said the foundation, which is in its 8th year, has been a blessing to many widows. She said through the foundation many have been able to pay their children’s fees, hospital bills, set up businesses.
She also complained about the inadequacy of enough sponsors. She said the task before them is huge and they need more sponsors to make progress. She also stated that most of the team members at FWF, are civil servants and they are gradually retiring which means what they earn(pensions) is not enough to sustain the cause. She asked the well-meaning citizens to support FWF.
The Obi Nnewichi, Obi George Onyekaba was present at the event. He encouraged the FWF group on all their endeavors and thanked the Ndi-Nnewi in Houston-Texas for thinking about home despite being very far away.
The women were thankful for all the gifts showered on them and prayed that next year will be better.
The FWF has their meetings once a month at different locations in Ichi, Otolo, Uruagu, Nnewichi, and Umudim. Worthy to note that this Non- governmental organization(NGO) has been registered.
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