By Cleopatra Eki
No fewer than 2000 have benefitted from the Roses ministry largess, a faith-based non-profit organization inspired to show God’s love to those who are hurt and vulnerable in practical ways.
Speaking at the event with a theme “Widows Day Of Joy held at Surulere Lagos, Founder Mrs Regina Ezenwa disclosed that the foundation has provided physical, emotional and financial assistance to the widows, poor, needy and homeless. Succour to the sick and physically challenged.
“We are raising educationally and morally sound Youths who will impact their generation, through Seminars, Counselling, Scholarships for Education and Skills Acquisition Programs.
Marriage counselling and hope of restoration to broken relationships
Restore the dignity of womanhood.”
The widows were given food items such as rice, groundnut oil, bread, tomatoes pastes, seasonings and wrappers among others.
Books were also donated by Archbishops Abiodun Adetiloye Comprehensive College, Epe. Lagos.
Prior to the day, Some of the widows and children confirmed that they have also benefited from the free medical screening and treatment with free drugs , tablets and tests.They appreciated the foundation, Association of Community Pharmacists in Surulere and other donors for their kind gesture.
Over the years, Roses Ministry has empowered widows and vulnerable women with Skills Acquisition Training such as small scale manufacturing of dish washing liquid, anti-septic, air freshener, perfume, insecticides, bead-making and wire works and hat making. Also, services such as catering, make-up and gele tying.
Speaking, the star of the year Chinwe Maduka, a widow, an enterprising trader of shoes and bags, adding on making of wigs, who has moved from being a tenant to a landlady of a market stall.
“I am a beneficiary of The Roses Ministry Business Enhancement funds first in 2019 and then again in 2021. I had been taught to keep financial records and I was encouraged to teach other beneficiaries and share my experience of diligence, responsibility and dedication.
According to her, these funds helped me a lot in the aspect of boosting my business and also my entire house care.
I conveniently feed my family from the profits, paid my rent and bills, paid my children school fees as well as learning skills after school. The greatest impact was, I had enough to buy a market shop and stock a wider variety of goods. In fact, I have received a new lease of life in business”.
The NGO has also invested on youth and families ,by investing in the children of widows, eliminating the cycle of poverty and building strength of character in the next generation. As for enterpreurship and skills, she disclosed that she empowered widows with the skills to sustain themselves and their families.
For Spirituality and counseling she provides source of hope and support to the mental wellbeing of vulnerable women especially widows and their children. The Roses Ministry engages and supports an average of 200 widows, vulnerable women and children every week. The Roses reaches out to the vulnerable in orphanages, Youth homes, prisons and more extending practical love.
Here are some Statistics of our foundation, 11 University graduates (completed) + 10 current undergraduates (ongoing) where tuition and upkeep were funded – children of widows educated;
5 Youths received training on a skill (plumbing, shoe making, bag making) – children of widows educated;
2021 -8,100 youths reached through youth seminars, 462 widows trained
Up to 2021, 51 widows businesses funded; Types of businesses funded – food service, food and drink trading, frozen foods, orthopedic products trading, bag making.
442 patients on anti-hypertensive treatment; 31 patients on anti-diabetic treatment; and patients on multiple anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic treatment;
200 have had cervical cancer screening and 300 had HIV screening increased to over 2,400 in 2021 from about 35 in 2007 – food packs distributed (enough to last a family for 3 months), with smaller quantities given at least monthly. Over 2,000 clothing distributed per year.
Among the top dignitaries and speakers that graced the event were Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, OFR, MON. Vice- Chairman, Board of Trustees, TRM, Elder Ekeoma Ekeoma Chairman, Nepal Oil & Gas Services Ltd. ,Mrs. Lara Olanrewaju
M.D. Double Eight Ltd. and Barr. Mrs. Ngozi Ekeoma M.D. Nepal Oil & Services Ltd
(Presenting Gifts to best Secondary School participants in Youths Seminar)
