Widows across Lagos had some enchanting times recently, as the Goldcrest Family Centre showered them with various gift items.
The programme, held in Oregun, Ikeja, was part of the organisation’s end of the year welfare package for the widows.
Goldcrest Family Centre, a non-governmental organisation that has been in existence since 2003, has been involved in several humanitarian and empowerment programmes for widows and the downtrodden in the society.
Based in Ketu, Lagos, the NGO has also done several educational and health projects for children and the aged.
Speaking at the event, President of the organisation, Reverend Agatha Chukwura, expressed delight at the turnout of the widows, saying the management of the organisation went the extra mile to put smiles on the faces of widows who she described as wives of Jesus Christ.
Reverend Chukwura said the annual end of the year special welfare package was to spread joy and happiness to the widows during the Yuletide.
“We are compassionate about the welfare of the widows, and we want to extend our love to them, especially at this season of love. We tell them that Christmas and the New year offers new hope for them as widows and they should always look up to God for their upkeep.
“What we are giving them today is just a little, which I believe will help reduce their burden. And I believe strongly that the coming year will be a better one for them as we continue to embark on our empowerment programmes and health projects.
Some of the gifts shared freely to the widows at the event include bags of rice, noodles, beverages, clothes and cash gifts.
In her remarks, Lagos State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,
Cecilia Bolaji Dada,said the state government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is passionate about the plight of widows, even as she assured them that God and Lagos State government would always support them in ensuring that they are fully independent.
“We are here to support the Goldcrest Family Centre, an NGO that has been consistent in helping the windows for close to two decades. This is to tell the widows that the Lagos State government will continue to support them in ensuring that they are empowered”.
Chairman of GCFC, Rev Dr Olufemi Paul, who is also the General Overseer of Grace Assembly Church, said there is no better way of identifying with the widows than to put smiles on their faces at this season of love. He noted also that though the present situation of the Nigerian economy might have affected the entire system, the management of Gold Crest Family Centre will continue to give hope to the widows.
Wife of the GCFC Director, Mrs Ebun Oladipo Fadeni donated several bags of rice and clothes for the widows. She said that was her family’s little way of touching people’s life and appreciating God for the gift of life.
“We cannot thank God enough for sparing our lives from January till December. This is a complete grace and we have to express our sincere appreciation by making the widows happy, especially at this time of the year,” she said.
Another director, Mrs Chika Balogun, in her remarks, said Goldcrest Family Centre’s programmes are not limited to the widows, adding that the NGO had also embarked on several educational programmes for both primary and secondary school pupils as well as free healthcare services for widows and the aged ones.
Widows from Ketu, Alapere, Agboyi, Agric, Ajegunle, Ikorodu, Mile 12, Surulere, Somolu, Fola Agoro, Bariga, Ikotun, Ogijo, Agbelekale and Apapa, among others, were at the event and went home with gift items.
Former Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs Funmi Tejuosho, was also in attendance.