* At Compassionate Hands Foundation’s Widows’ Day commemoration
A youth and community development strategist, Otunba Qudus Adebisi, has urged widows to embrace entrepreneurship and prudent financial management as practical steps towards achieving economic independence and rebuilding their lives with dignity.
Adebisi gave the advice at the 2026 Widows Day organised by The Compassionate Hands Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) of the Itire Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA), to commemorate International Widows Day.
Muslim News gathered that more than 200 widows attended the programme held on Tuesday, June 30, at the Itire Ikate LCDA Hall in Lagos, with the theme: “Widows Rising: Dignity, Justice and Economic Power.”
Speaking on “Practical Steps to Start Your Business with Zero Capital,” Adebisi challenged the participants not to allow financial limitations to discourage them from pursuing business opportunities.
He defined business as any legitimate profit oriented activity permitted by law and explained that success begins with identifying opportunities rather than waiting for capital.
According to him, aspiring entrepreneurs should generate viable business ideas, narrow them down to the most suitable option, prepare a simple business plan and present the idea to individuals who may be willing to support or partner with them.
He stressed that integrity and good character are valuable assets for anyone seeking financial support or business partnerships.
According to him, people are more willing to support individuals they know to be honest, trustworthy and responsible.
“Your integrity and personality matter. Build a good name for yourself because when people trust you, they will be more willing to support your business or even lend you money,” he said.
Adebisi also advised the widows to explore support from family members, friends and other well wishers before considering loans to finance their businesses.
He particularly cautioned against relying on interest based loans, warning that they often come with enormous financial pressure that could make it difficult for small businesses to survive.
“First, try to get support from well wishers, relatives and friends before thinking about borrowing. We all know the pressures that come with interest based loans. Avoid putting yourself under unnecessary financial burden. Start with what you have, remain consistent and grow gradually,” he advised.
“You do not have to wait until you have huge capital before starting a business,” he added. “Develop a viable idea, improve your capacity, get your first customer, learn from the experience and continue to grow. Focus on your successes rather than your failures.”
He also encouraged the widows to keep adding value, build strategic partnerships and remain consistent, stressing that resilience is a major ingredient for business success.
Don’t suffer in silence, Alhaja Bashirat Jimoh tells widows
Also speaking, another guest speaker, Alhaja Bashirat Hassan-Jimoh, said her organisation partnered with the council to support widows through empowerment, counselling and welfare programmes.
She noted that many widows shoulder enormous financial and emotional responsibilities after losing their spouses and therefore require continuous guidance and support.
“Our organisation is partnering with Itire Ikate LCDA to sensitise widows and provide support for them,” she said.
Alhaja Hassan-Jimoh urged widows facing emotional challenges to seek professional counselling instead of suffering in silence, noting that counselling services are readily available at the local government.
She further advised them to adopt sound financial planning by giving priority to essential family needs.
“As widows, your responsibilities are many, but you must learn to prioritise them. Set aside money for your children’s school fees, healthcare and feeding before spending on other things,” she said.
She concluded by encouraging the participants to remain steadfast in their faith, regardless of their religious beliefs.
“Draw closer to God and renew your commitment to Him irrespective of your religious belief. I pray to Allah to guide you and make all of us beneficial to humanity,” she added.
Over 200 widows receive palliatives
The Executive Chairman of Itire Ikate LCDA, Hon. Odunayo Oluwafemi Daniel, represented by his wife, Mrs Vivian Odunayo Daniel, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to initiatives that improve the welfare and economic wellbeing of widows in the community.
As part of the empowerment programme, the organisers distributed food palliatives to more than 200 widows. Each beneficiary received items including five kilogrammes of rice, spices and, in some cases, spaghetti to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic hardship.
The Compassionate Hands Foundation also presented branded face caps to newly registered widows, heads of departments, supervisors and other officials of the Itire Ikate LCDA.
The Coordinator of The Compassionate Hands Foundation, Mrs Aminah AbdulRaheem, appreciated the guests, partners and donors for their unwavering support towards the success of the event.
She explained that the organisation was established to cater for the welfare of widows and orphans through empowerment, counselling and humanitarian support.
“We want widows to understand that losing a spouse is not the end of life. Many widows are succeeding in business today, which is why we invited experts to equip them with practical skills. Some have also remarried and moved on with their lives. There is hope for every widow,” she said.
The event ended with prayers and a renewed call on governments, corporate organisations and well meaning Nigerians to continue supporting widows through programmes that promote dignity, justice and sustainable economic empowerment.
Sponsored
Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
Global Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
