Dr. Banigo (2nd left), being welcomed by the Rivers State Widows Association, from the 23 local government areas of the State, during the 2015 International Widows Day celebration /Empowerment programme in Port Harcourt

In keeping with its election promises to enhance the economic wellbeing of women in Rivers State, the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has empowered over 300 widows across the 23 local government areas of the state.
This is part of activities commemorating Wike’s 100 days in office.
The empowerment scheme was organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs,on Friday at the Ministry of Justice Auditorium, Rivers State Secretariat, Port Harcourt.
Presenting the cash to the widows, Wike, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, said the exercise was part of  his administration’s policy of touching all segments of the society.
He advised widows not to see the demise of their husbands as a reason to engage their children in child labour and other unwholesome practices, noting that it has become worrisome to see some women turn street beggars or resort to prostitution due to socio-economic pressures.
Wike lamented the trauma of widows who are always seen as potential suspects in the event of their spouse’s death, and subjected to various forms of inhuman treatment in the name of traditional practices.
The state chief executive reiterated his administration’s gender-friendly posture with the appointment of women into key positions in the state, noting that over 50 per cent of the present members of the local government caretaker committees in the state are women.
The governor said government will continue to provide a conducive environment for investors and Rivers people to attain their full potentials, adding that Government is collaborating with security agencies to fight crime with the donation of patrol vehicles equipped with modern communication gadgets to police and other security agents.
He, therefore, charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the funds and knowledge acquired from the seminar to manage their business ventures, pointing out that with “prudent utilisation of resources, the benefit of today’s event would germinate and multiply.”
Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Pastor Biobele Adesola, lauded Governor Wike for empowering widows, and explained that laws enacted to check unwholesome practices against widows are not being enforced, as widows have continued to suffer dehumanising treatment.
In a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Justina Jumbo, said widows need to be supported, comforted and empowered, stressing that gender discrimination has great adverse effect on families headed by widows.
Jumbo opined that widows are subjected to dehumanizing cultural and traditional practices, ostracized and dispossessed of properties jointly owned by the family.
She commended the state government for presenting empowerment packages to over 300 Rivers widows.
Earlier, the President of Widows Association, Rivers State Branch, Mrs. Patricia Weli, had expressed appreciation that the Governor Wike-led administration for recognizing the plight of widows in the State within the 100 days in office, and assured that the empowerment packages would be utilized to encourage the governor to do more.
Responding, one of the beneficiaries, Ngozi Amos Ernest from Ikwerre Local Government Area, thanked the governor for the opportunity given them to engage in meaningful activities to enable them take care of their families.
Highpoint of the event was the conferment of patronship of the association and decoration of the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo.
Similarly, as part of activities marking the 100 days in office of the Rivers State Government, the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has visited three charity homes to demonstrate his love and care for the less privileged in society.
Among homes visited by the governor are the Children’s Home, Borokiri, the Child Special School at Corpus Christ and the Home for the Elderly, Harbour Road all in Port Harcourt, on Friday.
Items worth millions of Naira, including Gas Cookers, washing machines, beverages, wheel chairs, standing fans, chairs, food items and toiletries were presented to the management of the homes.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Governor Wike said the visit was to identify with the yearnings of the less privileged, and assured them that the present administration will always take care of their upkeep and needs.
“This government is a caring one. We are remembering you in commemoration of our 100 days in office, we remember you now and will always remember you,” he stated.
The state chief executive assured the managers of the homes that government will continue to support them to ensure that the homes are maintained.
“I assure you that government will continue to partner with you. We will come whenever we are needed,” she said.
He commended the workers for their efforts and diligence in taking care of the homes, and urged them not to be weary in their service to humanity.
The Director, Child Welfare, Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr. Mike Kurubo while speaking on behalf of the Children’s Home, Borikiri, thanked the governor for the gesture, and used the opportunity to call on the state government to provide a befitting staff quarters and a bus for the Children’s Home.
On her part, the Matron of the Home for the Elderly, Reverend Sister Mary Jane Rapheal Agubosi, called for the assistance of the state government in the payment of hospital and electric bills, provision of a bus and a standard security house.
She thanked the state governor for the visit, and prayed God to reward him graciously.
In the governor’s entourage were the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Onimum Jack, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Ms Kadilo Brown, former commissioner in the state, Mrs. Toru Ofili, and other Government functionaries.