– “Our widows are not forgotten. This empowerment is our way of telling them that they still matter, that their lives have value, and that together we can rebuild peace in our communities,” – Chief (Mrs) Josephine Abbas Dayilim (Sarauniyan Mangu) Founder/CEO, ATJODA
By Biola Lawal
Mangu (Plateau) FLOWERBUDNEWS) One of Nigeria’s emerging Non-governmental humanitarian organisation, ATJODA Hope Foundation, has empowered 200 Widows as part of its efforts to help restore hope and dignity to vulnerable women, particularly widows in the country.
Flowerbudnews reports that ATJODA Hope Foundation, which was founded by Hon. (Mrs) Josephine Abbas Dayilim (Sarauniyan Mangu) also used the colourful event to recognise, honour and bestow Peace Awards on individuals who were promoting peace, unity and community development across Mangu and Plateau State.
The ATJODA economic empowerment ceremony, which was recently held in Mangu Local, Government Area of Plateau State, brought together widows, traditional rulers, government officials, religious leaders, civil society organisations, women groups and other stakeholders.
Speaking during the occasion, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ATJODA Hope Foundation, Chief Hon. Mrs Josephine Abbas Dayilim, popularly known as Sarauniyan Mangu, expressed appreciation to the dignitaries, partners, donors, volunteers and beneficiaries who supported the initiative.
She explained that the programme was conceived out of a desire to assure widows that, despite the challenges they have faced, they remain valued members of society. According to her, the Foundation’s intervention was not only about providing material support but also about restoring confidence, dignity and hope among women who have experienced difficult circumstances.
“Our widows are not forgotten. This empowerment is our way of telling them that they still matter, that their lives have value, and that together we can rebuild peace in our communities,” she said.
One of the major highlights of the programme was the empowerment of approximately 200 widows. Each beneficiary received a 10kg bag of rice and a cash grant of ₦10,000.
The support was intended to provide immediate relief to the beneficiaries and assist those engaged in petty trading and other small-scale economic activities.
The intervention was complemented by discussions and presentations focused on peace, security, women’s rights, entrepreneurship and healthcare.
Professor Shedrach Best, Vice-Chancellor of Plateau State University, Bokkos, delivered a presentation on “Security, Peace, the State and the Citizen,” where he addressed the role of citizens and institutions in creating safer and more peaceful communities.
The Director-General of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, Hon. Olivia Dazyam, spoke on awareness of the rights of the girl child, while Mr Satmak Johnson Dashal delivered a presentation on entrepreneurship and the role of economic empowerment in improving the lives of women.
The programme also featured a Peace Ambassadors Awards session, during which individuals and institutions who have made notable contributions to peacebuilding, security and community development were recognised. The awards were presented as a way of encouraging more people to contribute positively to the peace and development of their communities.
Representatives of the Plateau State Contributory Health Care Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) and the Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission also spoke to participants on healthcare access and women’s rights. A significant commitment was made by PLASCHEMA to provide health insurance coverage for 100 women, an initiative expected to improve access to healthcare for vulnerable beneficiaries.
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, was represented at the event by the Deputy Chairman of Mangu Local Government Council, Hon. Nuhu Yakwen Yakubu.
In his remarks, he commended Atjoda Hope Foundation for its commitment to widows and its efforts to promote peace in Mangu.
He noted the importance of partnerships between government and organisations working directly with communities, particularly in addressing the needs of vulnerable groups.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower women, promote peaceful coexistence and ensure that vulnerable members of society are not left behind.
The Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Her Excellency Hon. Josephine Piyo, was also associated with the programme and commended the Foundation’s efforts towards supporting widows and promoting peacebuilding.
Her participation and the presence of other government representatives underscored the importance of collaboration between government and civil society organisations in addressing the challenges confronting vulnerable families.
The Wife of the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Nanbyen Emmanuel Mwolpun, also applauded the Foundation for remembering widows and promoting unity within the community.
She encouraged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the support received and to become ambassadors of peace in their homes and communities.
Similarly, the Plateau State APC Women Leader, Hon. Longret Tokden, commended the Foundation for its continued work with women and widows, particularly those in rural communities.
She encouraged women to take advantage of empowerment opportunities provided by government and non-governmental organisations to improve their economic independence and contribute more effectively to the development of their families and communities.
Representing NGOs in Plateau State, Rev. Christopher Damcher praised Atjoda Hope Foundation for combining humanitarian intervention with peacebuilding.
He stressed the need for stronger partnerships among NGOs, government agencies, traditional institutions and communities to expand skills training, psychosocial support and advocacy for vulnerable women across the state.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on School Feeding Programme, Hon. Amb. Kyenpiya Best, also highlighted the importance of nutrition and family welfare. She noted the role of government interventions in reducing the burden on vulnerable households and improving the wellbeing of children and families.
The programme attracted traditional rulers from different parts of Mangu, including representatives of the Miskagham Mwaghavul, Miskagham Panyam, Miskagham Mangu, Miskagham Mangun, Miskagham Mangu Halle, Miskagham Bungha, Kerang and Sum Pyem, among others.
Other stakeholders, including religious leaders, security personnel, women groups, community leaders and representatives of government agencies, also participated in the event.
Representatives of Hon. Chief Dr Ishaya David Lalu, PhD, Member Representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency, and Hon. Mathew Kwarpo were also present at the programme.
Beyond the immediate material assistance, the programme provided a platform for widows to interact with government representatives, community leaders and development stakeholders.
For many of the beneficiaries, the gathering offered not only practical support, but also a sense of belonging and reassurance that their struggles have not gone unnoticed.
The Foundation’s intervention also demonstrated the importance of linking humanitarian assistance with long-term empowerment.
While the food items and cash grants offered immediate relief, the discussions on entrepreneurship, healthcare and women’s rights provided participants with knowledge and opportunities that could contribute to their longer-term wellbeing.
The commitment by PLASCHEMA to provide health insurance coverage to 100 women was particularly significant, as access to affordable healthcare remains an important concern for vulnerable families.
The Foundation and its partners are expected to continue engaging with the relevant agency to ensure that the commitment translates into actual health insurance coverage for the identified beneficiaries.
The event also reinforced the importance of sustained peacebuilding efforts in Mangu. By bringing together traditional rulers, government representatives, religious leaders, women groups, civil society organisations and community members, the programme created space for dialogue and strengthened the message that peace remains a shared responsibility.
Atjoda Hope Foundation expressed its appreciation to the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Her Excellency Hon. Josephine Piyo; the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang; government officials; traditional rulers; religious leaders; heads of institutions and agencies; NGOs; donors; partners; volunteers; women groups and all individuals who contributed to the success of the programme.
The Foundation also appreciated the widows and other beneficiaries for their participation and encouraged them to make meaningful use of the support received.
Going forward, the Foundation believes that more can be achieved through continuous empowerment, skills acquisition, financial literacy, healthcare access and regular follow-up with beneficiaries. Sustained peace dialogue and community engagement will also remain important in strengthening trust and peaceful coexistence across Mangu communities.
The Mangu Widows Empowerment and Peace Ambassadors Awards Programme therefore represented more than a one-day gathering. It was an expression of compassion, a practical intervention for vulnerable women and a call for individuals and institutions to play their part in building peaceful and resilient communities.
The programme was organised as part of the Foundation’s commitment to restoring hope and dignity to vulnerable women, particularly widows who have experienced loss and hardship, while also promoting peace, unity and community development across Mangu and Plateau State.
The event, which was anchored around the themes of empowerment, peacebuilding and inclusion, provided an opportunity for the Foundation to offer practical assistance to widows and recognise individuals and institutions that have contributed to peace, security and development in their communities.
For Atjoda Hope Foundation, the programme marks another step in its commitment to ensuring that vulnerable women are supported, peacebuilders are recognised and communities are encouraged to work together towards a more hopeful future. (FLOWERBUDNEWS)