By Cleopatra Eki
An appeal has been made to families and religious leaders to intentionally and deliberately care for widows in their environments.
Uzo Ododo-Oba, certified relationship and sex coach made the call at l day widow’s hangout in MIJL Estate lkate, Lekki Lagos.
The event attracted 12 widows from Lagos State and environs.
According to her, “Most of them spend quality time with these people and in God’s worship”.
She disclosed that “This second edition of widows hangout is a compact, private and one – on -one together party to help them release tension and bottled emotions, she recalled the first edition of widows she budgeted for 200 widows but saw a large number of widows, it was overwhelming but she was able to manage it.
Ododo-Oba urged widows to regularly check their mental and medical health, eat right, rest well and be open to relationship if they want to and have fun.
As a Media Personality and family therapist, Uzo has continuously use her radio programmes and social media to empower widows and children through education,vocational skills, financially to reduce poverty and depression.
She does alot counselling and re- education to families as a whole including persons with disability.
She disclosed that hangout creates a safe space for widows to unburden , create opportunities to network and collaborate with like minds in a relaxed atmosphere to unwind
She observed that a lot of widows faced stigmatization, discrimation and name- calling or labelling for those who want to date again. While others are overwhelmed by family responsibilities work or business and sometimes forget themselves when they lose their husbands, which is devastating.
She advised widows or children who are currently in abusive and unhealthy relationships to speak out and get help.According to her, “Most widows have complained of suffering from abusive relationships from husband’s families, relatives and others after the demise of their husbands.
Uzo charged the widows to know their strengths and weaknesses, reach inwards and believe in who they are, because everyone is uniquely wired for a purpose.
She revealed that she is passionate about them, because she is a product of widows both by her mother and late step -mother and sees the plights of other widows and she is concerned about how they cope with their children.
The high point of event, widows had full body massage by professional massauses , a lot of sumptous food, small chops and drinks. They were also given a carton of Topisto tomatoes paste and received cash alerts. Mc Ovie comedian crack a lot of timely relatable and hilarious jokes for the widows.
A Chef and business widow, Mrs Ugo Ambrose Aka U.G Babe, who lost her husband 13years blessed with 2 boys. She recounted how she started her business from grass to grace all her late husband’s property were taken from her. UG babe said that this event helps us to know that God cares for the widows through people like Uzo and other organisations to help us.
Speaking, Madam Desmond, a widow from ljedodo Lagos whose husband died 6years ago, and blessed with 3sons. She said”This forum gives widows an adequate support system and confidential spaces where they can be vulnerable and speak out.Every widow needs the right inner circle.They also need to free themselves from life hardship and get their happiness.
She said” l appreciate this hangout.
Another widow, Mrs Blessing Okechukwu from native Enugu, but lives at Badagry Lagos ,lost her husband 7years ago with two girls and one boy ( teenage children).Currently, “l am facing the responsibility of paying my house rent, school fees and managing to care for my teenagers.” I have been managing my blood pressure since my husband ‘s demise”.l thank God for everything.
However, the widows hangout, made me feel loved, special and refreshing after the massage, it rejuvenated my spirit, soul and body.This is my first time, for l am experiencing a full body massage. “I often spend time with my 2 children with less social life. ”
Earlier, special guest and Chief Executive Officer, @richerwomen Instagram, Mrs Omi Oshikoya stated women and widow are limitless, our widows will continue to impact their world positively in the right environment.
Oshikoya has several richerwomen programmes, women interviews that empower many women and widows with her U- Tube and TV programmes for leadership positions, financial literacy, programmes and network to pull them through and to go far.
She described widows as a precious Pearl or Rubby in God’s eyes .
“We help them re-chart their paths to find true happiness and positive energy to raise happy and healthy children.”
Mr Ifeanyi Okoye, Chief Executive Officer, His Grace Network urged government to put legislations and policies that will better the lives of widows rather than allowing them to pass through pains and sorrow.Okoye also advised them to stay healthy for their families.
The group appreciated several persons and organisations, among them are Standout Property CEO, persons from diaspora ,Emeka Mount Bello, Ehpriam from Dallas USA, WAZOBIA FM, D Black Studio ,DJ Snapper and many others for making the event a success.
