The Chinwe Bode-Akinwande (CBA) Foundation has marked its 10th anniversary with a high-impact conference aimed at addressing the systemic challenges faced by widows and exploring sustainable solutions for their empowerment.
The conference, themed "Empowering Widows in Nigeria: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Vulnerability," was recently held in Lagos. It brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors to discuss policy reforms, empowerment initiatives, and sustainable support systems for widows.
In her keynote address, Mrs Amina Oyagbola, founder and chairperson of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), described widow empowerment as a moral obligation and a national priority. She commended the founder of CBA Foundation, Mrs Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, for her decade-long commitment to improving the lives of widows and their children.
"Through the CBA Foundation, you have given countless widows and children courage, confidence, and dignity. Your work proves that one person's vision can transform generations," Oyagbola said.
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Representing FirstBank, the head of Internal Communications, Mrs Acharu Osime, expressed the bank's support for the Foundation's mission, noting that its objectives align with FirstBank's sustainability pillars focused on welfare, diversity, and financial inclusion.
"We are excited to be part of this initiative, supporting one of our own, to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for widows," she said.
Damilola Popoola, head of Strategy at DigitXplus, lauded the foundation's impact over the past decade, describing the event as a celebration of resilience and dignity. "Empowerment begins with dignity, and dignity grows when women are given a voice, a skill, and a chance to dream again. We at DigitXplus remain dedicated to walking the walk with the CBA Foundation," she stated.
In her remarks, Mrs. Bode-Akinwande expressed gratitude to partners and attendees, reaffirming the Foundation's commitment to uplifting widows across Nigeria. "We envision a Nigeria where widowhood is not a sentence to poverty but a pathway to resilience. When we lift a widow, we lift her children, her community, and our nation," she said.
The conference also featured a panel discussion moderated by media personality and communications strategist, Jide Benson. The panelists included Etemore Glover, CEO of Impact Investors Foundation; Abiola Odanye, Head of Operations at Market Ranch; and Mrs. Damilola Hassan, managing director of Meristem Trustees Limited. They discussed key topics including policy advocacy, economic empowerment, and institutional support for widows.
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