The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Women Affairs Secretariat has distributed vital trade equipment and cash support to widows and vulnerable women across the territory.
This initiative aims to promote economic self-reliance and reduce poverty among disadvantaged groups.
The distribution took place on Tuesday in Abuja during the official commemoration of the 2026 International Day for Widows and Vulnerable Women.
As part of the initiative, 20 women received sewing machines, 20 received grinding machines, 20 received hair dryers, and 10 received fridges.
Additionally, 20 beneficiaries received cash grants of N50,000 each to support their small businesses.
Speaking at the ceremony, Permanent Secretary Hajiya Asma’u Mukhtar stated that the intervention demonstrates the administration’s commitment to alleviating women’s 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 directed the administration’s directors and staff to ensure interventions reach rural areas across all six area councils of the FCT.
She also advised beneficiaries not to sell the empowerment tools for immediate cash.
“The beneficiaries should ensure judicious use of these items. These are intended to improve your lives, not for you 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 beneficiaries to remain resilient, noting that the program’s true success would be measured by positive changes in women’s lives across the FCT.
For many beneficiaries, the initiative was more than a donation; it was a lifeline that restored hope, promoted social inclusion, and paved the way toward financial independence.
Mrs Hope Ochei, a mother of three who received a fridge, described the gesture as a timely intervention that provided significant financial relief to struggling families.
Ochei, who produces local beverages such as Zobo and tiger nut drink, explained how the new fridge would enhance 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 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 beAnother beneficiary, Mrs Dorcas Ends, a mother of four who received a grinding machine, expressed enthusiasm about starting a local business. 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.
Mrs Hauwa Usman, who received a sewing machine, commended the Women Affairs Secretariat and said the equipment would significantly improve her household’s economic status.
