By Christy Tamai
The Plateau State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive governance and women’s empowerment as it celebrated International Widows Day by training and empowering 200 widows with vocational skills and financial startup grants.
Speaking at the event held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, the First Lady of Plateau State, Barr. Helen Manasseh Mutfwang, said Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang remains committed to ensuring that no vulnerable group is left behind through policies and programmes that promote dignity, economic inclusion, and family wellbeing.
She explained that International Widows Day, observed annually by the United Nations, highlights the challenges faced by widows worldwide while advocating for the protection of their rights, dignity, and welfare.
According to the First Lady, the 2026 theme, “Justice, Dignity, and Economic Power for Widows,” underscores the need to eliminate harmful cultural practices, protect inheritance rights, and promote financial independence for widows.
Mrs. Mutfwang noted that widow empowerment has remained a major priority of the present administration, citing several interventions already implemented. These include the training of 800 widows in the production, packaging, and branding of household consumables with startup kits and business grants, the training of 500 widows through various skill acquisition programmes, and the distribution of relief materials to widows in conflict-affected communities.
She congratulated the 200 beneficiaries, applauded the trainers for equipping them with practical entrepreneurial skills, and urged the women to maximize the opportunity to improve their livelihoods.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Caroline Panglang Dafur, praised Governor Mutfwang for sustaining women-focused initiatives. She assured beneficiaries that the ministry would continue to provide mentorship, monitoring, and business support to ensure long-term success.
Goodwill messages from the APC Women Leader and the Chairperson of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission commended the state government’s commitment to widows’ welfare and pledged continued advocacy for policies that protect and empower women.
In their remarks, some beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the First Lady for investing in their future, offering prayers for God’s continued guidance and strength for the administration.
A major highlight of the event was the exhibition of products produced by the 200 widows, most of whom were drawn from Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and other communities across the seventeen local government areas of the state. Products showcased included liquid soap, petroleum jelly, balm, shampoo, and hair cream.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of financial startup grants to each beneficiary, reinforcing the Plateau State Government’s commitment to promoting economic self-reliance and restoring hope among widows.
