As part of activities marking the 2026 International Widows Day, the First Lady of Plateau State, Barr. Helen Mutfwang, has empowered 200 widows with vocational training and financial support to help them become economically self-reliant.
The empowerment programme, organised in partnership with the Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, took place on Friday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.
The beneficiaries, selected from the 17 Local Government Areas of the state, with many coming from Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and rural communities, participated in a two-day practical training designed to equip them with income-generating skills.
During the programme, the widows received hands-on instruction in the production, packaging and branding of household products, including liquid soap, bleach, antiseptics, disinfectants, petroleum jelly, room fresheners, shampoo, hair cream, conditioners and balm.
To complement the skills acquired, each participant also received a business grant aimed at helping them establish or strengthen small-scale enterprises. They were equally trained in entrepreneurship, business management, financial planning and marketing to improve the sustainability of their businesses.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Barr. Mutfwang said the initiative was designed to restore hope and create opportunities for widows to rebuild their lives through productive ventures.
She encouraged the women to make good use of the knowledge and resources provided, describing the programme as an investment in their future and that of their families.
Congratulating the participants, the First Lady urged them to become agents of positive change in their communities.
“May this milestone open a new chapter of courage, growth and success in your lives. Go out and build sustainable businesses, inspire others and become role models for the next generation,” she said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Caroline Dafur, praised Governor Caleb Mutfwang’ administration for prioritising women’s empowerment through impactful social intervention programmes.
She assured the beneficiaries that the ministry would continue to monitor their progress by providing mentorship, evaluation and additional support for businesses that demonstrate growth.
According to her, the intervention is part of a long-term strategy to promote economic independence among vulnerable women across Plateau State rather than a one-time assistance programme.
The event attracted prominent women leaders from government and civil society, including the Wife of the Chief of Staff, the Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, wives of Local Government Chairmen and Commissioners, as well as representatives of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, one of the widows expressed gratitude to the state government and the First Lady, describing the intervention as a renewed source of hope for women who have experienced significant hardship.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the APC Women Leader and the Chairperson of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, both of whom reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for programmes and policies that improve the welfare and protection of women across the state.
