Janet Sam
The Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, Engr. Obadiah Nkom, has called on Nigerians, philanthropists and institutions to increase their support for widows, widowers, orphans and the aged,
The DG, who. Who made the call during the CCWA Annual Convention held with the theme “Empowering and Raising the Forgotten.” while chairing the ceremony, said the gathering was a reminder of the collective responsibility to uplift society’s most vulnerable.
He noted that while the government provides several welfare policies, it cannot meet all the needs of disadvantaged citizens, stressing that NGOs and individuals must step in to complement national efforts, which according to him, every family is directly or indirectly connected to widows, widowers, or orphans, making CCWA’s work a vital national service.
He praised the vision of the Founder, Prof. Deborah. Ajakaiye, for sustaining the organisation for over three decades and touching lives across the country and beyond Africa
Represented by Prof. Akpezi Ogbuigwe, Founder and President of CCWA, Prof. Deborah. Ajakaiye, earlier in her welcome address, highlighted the organisation’s growth over 33 years, from a small initiative in her home to more than 678 centres across the country, She said CCWA’s program, including skills training, micro-enterprise loans, scholarships and healthcare, has empowered thousands of beneficiaries, many of whom have become professionals and business owners contributing to national development.
Speaking on behalf of the CCWA National leadership, National Coordinator Mrs Alexandra Nathan expressed deep gratitude to God for the success of the programme and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to transforming the lives of widows, orphans and the aged, noting that these vulnerable groups require consistent attention, compassion and practical support to become productive members of society.
Mrs Nathan appealed to government agencies, political leaders, and individuals across all classes to take responsibility in shaping the lives of disadvantaged persons. She warned that when vulnerable people are neglected, society ultimately suffers the consequences, but when they are guided and empowered, the nation reaps positive rewards.
She called on all Nigerians to embrace CCWA’s vision wholeheartedly and “run with it,” stressing that the transformation of widows, orphans and the aged today determines the moral and social stability of Nigeria’s future.
Her message was reinforced by testimonies from beneficiaries, including Mrs Charity Damena from Pambegua District, Kaduna, who said CCWA’s programs have helped widows rebuild their lives, strengthened their faith and offered valuable community support after periods of personal loss.
Mrs. Damena expressed heartfelt gratitude to the leadership and partners of CCWA, affirming that the continuous assistance provided to her district has restored hope and positioned many widows for better economic and spiritual outcomes.
The celebration, held to mark more than three decades of humanitarian service, brought together national leaders, beneficiaries and supporters of CCWA.