By Nafiu Toyin Abdulqadri.
Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Foundation has empowered 200 widows from Kwara Central and Kwara South, with plans to extend support to 70,000 widows across Nigeria in the coming years. This empowerment program is part of the foundation’s mission to positively impact vulnerable populations.
At a business training workshop held in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, Project Director Mallam Musa Aliyu emphasized the objective of providing widows with skills and resources for sustainable economic independence. He noted that widowhood imposes severe economic and social burdens on many women, who often face discrimination, marginalization, and exclusion.
Resource person Princess Opeyemi Adegbite stressed the importance of entrepreneurs possessing hands-on knowledge in areas like capital preservation, bookkeeping, and financial management. She advised beneficiaries to improve customer relations, cut production costs, and invest in areas of strength.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the ABS Foundation, promising judicious use of the grant. Mrs. Medina Mumini from Ilorin West plans to boost her provision store and poultry farming, while Madam Shehu Khadijat from Asa Local Government aims to revive her yam flour business.
The ABS Foundation, a non-political NGO, focuses on health, education, youth empowerment, sports, and leadership mentoring. This initiative demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and promoting economic independence for widows.