By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Women Affairs Secretariat has distributed vital trade equipment and cash support to widows and vulnerable women across the territory to foster economic self-reliance and alleviate poverty among disadvantaged groups.

The distribution exercise took place on Tuesday in Abuja, during the official commemoration of the 2026 International Day for Widows and Vulnerable Women.

As part of the empowerment initiative, 20 women received sewing machines, 20 others grinding machines, another 20, hair dryers and 10 others  presented with fridges.

Similarly, 20 other beneficiaries were handed cash grants of N50,000 each, to boost their small-scale businesses.

Speaking at the ceremony, Permanent Secretary of the secretariat, Hajiya Asma’u Mukhtar, said  the intervention reflected  the administration’s practical commitment to elevating women out of financial hardship.

“Widowhood is a difficult experience. Beyond the emotional pain of losing a spouse, women are confronted with financial hardship, the responsibility of raising children alone, difficulties with inheritance and sometimes discrimination.

“Our vulnerable women need more than sympathy; they need support, encouragement, protection and opportunities to improve their livelihoods,” Mukhtar said.

She tasked the administration’s directors and staff, to ensure interventions actively reached rural areas across the six area councils of the FCT.

She also cautioned the beneficiaries against liquidating the empowerment tools for quick cash.

“The beneficiaries should ensure judicious use of these items. These are intended for you to improve your lives, not for you just to sell the items and spend the money.

“Your present circumstances don’t define your worth, nor  determine what your future can become. You deserve dignity, respect and the opportunity to live productive lives,’’ she said.

Earlier, the Deputy Director, Women Development Department, Mrs Aina Sani, said supporting vulnerable groups must be treated as a collective duty involving the government, communities and families.

Sani noted that  many women faced severe hardship akin to widowhood, even while their spouses were alive, justifying the secretariat’s expanded scope of intervention.

“We recognise that losing a spouse can be a painful experience, but many vulnerable women face circumstances that make it difficult to provide for their families.

“Even small interventions like this, when properly planned and delivered, can make a meaningful difference,” she said.

She encouraged the beneficiaries to remain resilient, asserting that the true success of the program would be measured by the positive transformation brought to the lives of women across the FCT.

For many of the beneficiaries, the initiative was more than just a donation; it was a lifeline that restored hope, promoted social inclusion and paved the way toward financial independence.

One of them, Mrs Hope Ochei, a mother of three who received a fridge, described the gesture as a well-timed intervention that provided immense financial relief to struggling families.

Ochei, who produces local beverages such as Zobo and tiger nut drink, shared how the new fridge would elevate her business.

“My current freezer isn’t working well anymore. This new one will help me top up my game. When customers come, they will get chilled, refreshing drinks to satisfy them, which is my top priority.

“Some of us are vulnerable women who faced hard times growing up, including rape victims.

“Because of what happened in the past, many felt secluded. But initiatives like this empower us to stand up, claim our rights and make our voices heard in the society.”

“By providing these tools, they have wiped away tears and solved 70 to 80 per cent of the problems in many homes,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Dorcas Ends, a mother of four, who received a grinding machine, expressed her excitement about launching a local business service.

“I am so happy. This grinding machine will move my life forward. I will use it to grind tomatoes, pepper, beans and other items. It will help me earn and save money, to cater to my family’s needs,” she said.

On her part,  Mrs Hauwa Usman, recipient of a sewing machine, commended the women affairs secretariat for the intervention, noting that the equipment would completely transform the economic status of her household. (NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu