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IWD: Pains of Widows in Nigeria and CBA Foundation’s Drive to Assuage Them

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CBA Foundation

The death of a husband is a tragedy that befalls a woman as it involves a physical break in their relationship, and it is seen as the most stressful and devastating thing in life.

In every society, there are women of all ages whose husbands have gone to the great beyond, most especially the vulnerable ones. The underprivileged widows and their vulnerable children constitute a significant component of every country’s population.

According to the United Nations, there are an estimated 258 million widows around the world, and nearly one in 10 lives in extreme poverty. Apart from that, 2.7 billion women are denied access to the same choice of jobs as men due to certain unconfronted restrictions, and lots face gender-based violence even today.

Available statistics show that Nigeria has over eight million disadvantaged widows with over 21 million children. These statistics appear to be on the increase due to the prevalence of crisis, terminal ailments, crimes, religion, and politics.

Therefore, the period after the death of one’s husband is supposed to be a time when everything should be done to assist widows to withstand the emotional and psychological trauma, pain and frustration associated with the loss and not to add to their problems. But unfortunately, the reverse is the case by the African tradition, especially in Nigeria. People chose to maltreat widows instead of helping to ease their problems so that they live a better life.

On the African continent, particularly Nigeria, widows face seemingly insurmountable challenges. Widows rather than being sympathized with and assisted are subjected to near in-human treatment in certain traditional ritual rites and practices such as solitary confinement, defacement, dis-inheritance and a relatively long mourning period.

Many are stigmatised, blamed for their husband’s death and displaced from their marital home. The most obvious effects are deepening poverty, acute stress and depression, loss of identity and self-esteem.

The widowhood condition exposes women to psychological and physical abuse as well as a whole range of health-related problems including HIV/AIDs. They face varying degrees of difficulties and untold hardships even though they tend to suffer in silence, in most cases.

For many Nigerian widows, they live not only with psychological challenges, financial constraints, and the burden of raising their children alone but also with the cultural demands of widowhood.

In most parts of the world, widows are deprived of benefiting from the inheritance of their late husbands, especially with the absence of a will. There have been sufficient instances of deprivation attempts and fights, even when the husbands left a will.

Other sundry challenges widows face in our society range from traditional, economic, emotional, and mental to spiritual problems. They also have difficulties engaging in social interaction, and poor housing, to mention a few. Others include violation of widows’ rights: dethronement, defacement, forced levirate marriage; disinheritance and denial of the right of dignity and equality.

These travails, in most cases, make it practically impossible for the widows and their children to have a good life.

These challenges made the United Nations to formally adopt June 23 as International Widows Day (IWD). The IWD is recognised all over the world to address the poverty and injustice faced by millions of widows and their dependents in many countries and to raise awareness of the issue of widowhood.

Having almost nothing left to themselves, many widows find solace in petty trading due to inability to obtain sufficient capital to venture into reasonably lucrative businesses that would adequately take care of them and their children, who usually suffer malnutrition, are prone to diseases, and in most cases, are unable to go to school.

It is, therefore, incumbent on governments at all levels, non-governmental organizations, institutions, and individuals to stand up to tame these challenges and make life worth living for widows in Africa in general and Nigeria in particular.

Worried by the plight of the Nigerian widow, the Chinwe Bode-Akinwande (CBA) Foundation, a non-governmental organization in Nigeria, has tailored its activities and programmes to promote the protection of Nigerian underprivileged widows and their vulnerable children, restoring immediate and lasting hope, confidence, and courage in their lives.

Established in 2015 by Mrs Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, the foundation, under its five-point agenda, has reached out to thousands of underprivileged widows and children through skills acquisition training, health intervention, business start-ups and provision of clothing, nutrition and tuition fees for the children.

The Chinwe Bode-Akinwande (CBA) Foundation has so far empowered 8,600 widows through its women empowerment and capacity building initiative; over 4,500 underprivileged widows have received health intervention while over 10,600 have received food items. The foundation has also reinstated 158 children in schools, empowered 220 widows financially to start a business of their own and also provided palliatives to 250 widows during the COVID-19 pandemic lock-down.

Also, through advocacy and public health awareness campaigns, the foundation has continued to enlighten the masses about the plight of widows.

The CBA Foundation has also been at the front burner calling on the Nigerian government to implement and enforce the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), which gives protection to widows in the country. The foundation believes that the government needs to create more awareness and enforcement of acts for widows to know their rights and for people to tread with caution.

According to the president/founder of the Foundation, Mrs Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, “the basis for starting the foundation is driven from the need to impact the lives of women who ordinarily might have lost hope. We give hope to the hopeless.

“The issue of rape, sexual harassment and all manners of molestations are suffered mostly by women not to think of the most vulnerable amongst them – the widows.

“Hence, we are driven to support underprivileged widows in to have a positive outlook on life, despite the problems they experience by losing their loved one, mostly the breadwinner of the family.

She added that sufficient evidence suggests that widowed women “are severely affected financially, psychologically, sexually and socially and these are rooted in cultural and traditional practices as well as the socialization processes that condition women to dependence. These conditions have erected enormous difficulties for women to creatively initiate new robust relationships with both men and women in social and economic spheres upon widowhood.

“It’s even sadder that widows are not looked after by families, private sectors, governments etc. and to worsen the matter, societies curse them.

“Their children also face several problems like being withdrawn from the school and becoming more vulnerable to abuse. The CBA Foundation has joined to lend its voice for the past five years,” she posited.

Some of the beneficiaries of the CBA Foundation share their story.

A widow, Ebele Onuzuluike, while sharing her sad story said:

“My name is Ebele Onuzuluike. I am from Ndiakwu, Otolo Nnewi. My husband died on September 1, 2012. Things are too tough for me. What I am passing through my late husband’s family is too much!

They want to take over my inheritance and that of my kids but by the grace and power of God, I was given one. However, the family told me that they do not need me in the compound, that I should leave and move to the land they have given me. The sisters at times come down to fight me.

At times, when I am back from the market in the evening, my properties have been thrown out of the house.

As at February 1, 2021, things got so bad that the kinsmen had to step in and resolve for the family  to leave the land

Before the February 1 issue, I lit a crossover candle on my husband’s grave and was praying. The family asked what that was, I told them I was praying. One of them came back to ask why I left some refuse on the farm. I said nothing, he slapped me. The sister came and slapped me, and we started fighting.  I had to call my family and they dispersed. They wanted to sell the land and I found out and started running helter-skelter.  They all were aware.

They sold it and shared the money amongst themselves but they eventually gave me another piece of land. Since I don’t have a house, I had to rent a place to move with my kids. I have three kids.

They see all that happens and can tell.

CBA Foundation really helped me with the poultry business, but the market has been tough since the COVID-19 pandemic, but I am striving to keep up the business and feed my kids.”

Another widow, Ezubuike Chidinma Maryam, said: “I hail from Anambra State. I am a hairstylist. I lost my husband in January 2016. It has not been easy for me and my two children.

Few months after my husband died, the family began to fight me to leave the house I built. I resisted them. They intruded into my husband’s landed property and I reported the matter to our king. The case is ongoing. My husband’s family said I’m not known in the family and that I should leave.

It has not been easy at all but all thanks to the CBA Foundation which came to my rescue. Today, I have my own shop where I do my business.

I want the government to support widows in the country because we are suffering.”

According to Mrs Esther Fashina, it has been a hellish experience for her and her children.

“My husband died about 22 years ago. I have been managing since then with petty trade until last year when my firstborn died. My children and I left my husband’s house because of incessant battles from my husband’s family.

My husband’s family doesn’t care about the children. I have been the only one struggling for my children.

“I thank the CBA Foundation. They have been so supportive. The foundation bought a kerosene tank for me which I use to sell kerosene.”

For Mrs Nnodu, a mother of three, she and her kids hawk fruits on the streets. To boost her income, she used to borrow money from the women’s group to sell plastics but was unable to meet up interests and timelines. She became a lucky beneficiary of CBA Foundation seed capital for the plastic business and packaging of the fruits. As a foundation that frowns against child labour of any kind, the support by CBA Foundation is instrumental to ensuring the kids stop hawking and are able to go back to school.

The kids’ welfare had remained a huge challenge for Mrs Okonkwo.   The widow who cleans the streets and takes care of her very aged mother wants to start a poultry business that can fetch her money, take care of the sick aged mother with her and cater for her kids. CBA Foundation however came to her rescue also by providing seed capital for the poultry business.

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Nigeria’s Bold Strides Towards a Sustainable Future

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Alex Oware YP4T

By Alex Oware

President Bola Tinubu has firmly established Nigeria as a proactive and visionary leader in the global pursuit of climate action and sustainable development. Recognising that environmental stewardship is intrinsically linked to economic prosperity, his administration has moved beyond viewing climate change as a mere ecological concern, positioning it instead as a pivotal economic opportunity ripe for exploration and investment.

President Tinubu’s emphatic pronouncements at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and during a high-level virtual dialogue underscored Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to international collaboration, emphasising the critical need for a unified global response to the escalating climate crisis. He astutely highlighted that the realisation of a truly sustainable future necessitates robust global interconnectedness and a shared sense of responsibility amongst all nations.

Nigeria’s comprehensive strategy for tackling the multifaceted challenges of climate change rests upon three fundamental pillars: a decisive shift towards clean energy transition, the building of robust climate resilience, and an overarching commitment to sustainable development. To translate these core principles into tangible realities, the current administration is actively implementing a range of key initiatives designed to wean the nation off its reliance on traditional fossil fuels.

A significant aspect of this endeavor involves the substantial expansion of infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles. Simultaneously, the government is strategically focusing on harnessing Nigeria’s abundant solid mineral resources to provide crucial materials for the burgeoning green energy sector.

Complementing these efforts are the implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices, aimed at simultaneously enhancing national food security and minimising detrimental environmental impacts.

Furthermore, the newly introduced National Clean Cooking Policy seeks to promote clean energy solutions at the household level, promising significant environmental, health, and socio-economic benefits for Nigerian citizens.

These ambitious endeavors are meticulously designed to deliver palpable value and positive impact directly to the lives of Nigerians. The diversification of energy sources holds the promise of cleaner air and a significantly healthier environment for communities across the nation.

The active promotion of CNG as a viable alternative fuel is strategically aimed at mitigating the economic and social hardships that have arisen from the removal of fuel subsidies, offering a more affordable and sustainable energy option for transportation and domestic use. The widespread adoption of climate-smart agriculture is paramount for bolstering food security, ensuring a stable and reliable food supply, and safeguarding vulnerable local communities from the increasingly severe adverse effects of climate change, such as droughts and floods.

Moreover, the deliberate expansion of the green energy sector is projected to generate a wealth of new employment opportunities and empower local entrepreneurs, particularly in rural communities that are gaining access to reliable and sustainable electricity for the first time.

In a demonstrably bold move that underscores the administration’s commitment to these overarching goals, President Tinubu’s government has put forward a significant N10 billion solar power project specifically for the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. This ambitious initiative is presented as a crucial step towards establishing a more sustainable and dependable energy future for the entire nation, starting from the highest levels of governance.

Proponents of the project persuasively argue that it aligns seamlessly with global best practices, drawing parallels with the increasing adoption of solar energy in key government institutions worldwide. The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has vigorously defended the project, asserting that it is fully in line with President Tinubu’s broader reforms aimed at fundamentally transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape and decisively tackling the persistent and crippling energy debt crisis.

The ECN further emphasises that solar energy offers inherent efficiency, provides a crucial shield for Nigerians against the volatility of rising tariffs on conventional energy sources, and has the potential to significantly ease the immense pressure currently burdening the national electricity grid.

While the project has understandably sparked public debate and scrutiny regarding its substantial cost and prioritisation in the face of other pressing national needs, the government strategically positions it as an innovative approach that demonstrates leadership by example and a profound commitment to integrating clean energy solutions at the very apex of Nigerian governance.

Beyond these crucial domestic initiatives, President Tinubu has actively and strategically sought robust international collaboration and support for Africa’s complex transition towards a green economy, fully acknowledging that the necessary investments are inherently capital-intensive.

Nigeria has already demonstrated commendable leadership on the continental stage by being the first African nation to successfully launch Sovereign Green Bonds, specifically designed to finance environmentally sustainable projects across various sectors.

Furthermore, the country is actively in the process of developing a comprehensive Global Climate Change Investment Fund, with the primary aim of attracting substantial further investment in critical green infrastructure and innovative clean energy initiatives.

Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the ambitious target year of 2060 and is actively engaged in the crucial process of updating its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the esteemed UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The recent finalisation of the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Policy in March 2025 is projected to unlock a substantial potential of up to $2.5 billion in valuable carbon credit investments by the pivotal year of 2030. This influx of capital is expected to further bolster climate-aligned economic growth and create new avenues for sustainable development.

Moreover, Nigeria is actively collaborating with various United Nations agencies to develop a comprehensive guideline for a just transition towards a fully decarbonised economy. This crucial collaboration ensures that the inevitable shift towards clean energy and climate-resilient solutions is implemented in a manner that leaves no community or economic sector behind, prioritising the creation of green jobs, the development of essential skills, and comprehensive capacity-building initiatives across the nation.

President Tinubu’s overarching strategy underscores a holistic and integrated approach that seamlessly weaves climate action into Nigeria’s broader development agenda, recognising it not as a separate concern but as a fundamental strategic imperative for sustained economic growth and comprehensive national transformation.

By diligently pursuing these comprehensive and interconnected strategies, Nigeria aims not only to effectively address the urgent and pressing challenges posed by climate change but also to unlock significant and lasting economic and social benefits for all its citizens, paving a clear and sustainable pathway towards a resilient, equitable, and prosperous future for generations to come.

Alex Oware is the Regional Director for YP4T

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Navigating the Maze: Solutions for Nigeria’s Flourishing Foodtech Industry

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Diana Tenebe food security challenges in Nigeria

By Diana Tenebe

Nigeria’s foodtech sector holds immense promise to transform our nation’s food production, distribution, and consumption systems. However, this burgeoning industry currently navigates a complex maze of challenges that could significantly hinder its progress.

While innovation and entrepreneurial drive are abundant, a confluence of infrastructural deficits, economic headwinds, technological disparities, and logistical complexities casts a shadow on the sector’s long-term viability.

Understanding and addressing these multifaceted hurdles is paramount for foodtech companies aspiring to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s food security.

One of the most significant impediments to the foodtech sector’s advancement is Nigeria’s persistent infrastructural weaknesses. The unreliable power supply, a well-known constraint for businesses nationwide, directly threatens food preservation, increasing spoilage risks and driving up operational costs for companies reliant on refrigeration and consistent processing.

Similarly, the often-deteriorated state of our road networks complicates logistics and transportation, hindering the efficient movement of goods from farms to consumers and across the supply chain.

Furthermore, limited access to clean water exacerbates operational challenges, particularly for maintaining food processing and hygiene standards. Collectively, these infrastructural shortcomings inflate operational expenses and introduce vulnerabilities throughout the food supply chain.

Economic constraints add another layer of intricacy. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates create instability in pricing and procurement, especially for businesses dealing with imported technologies or ingredients. Persistent inflation erodes consumer purchasing power and increases the cost of essential inputs, squeezing profit margins for startups.

Moreover, limited access to credit and investment capital makes it difficult for emerging foodtech companies to secure the necessary funding to invest in crucial technology, infrastructure, and expansion efforts. This financial constraint can stifle innovation and prevent promising ventures from reaching their full potential.

The digital divide also poses a unique challenge for foodtech companies aiming to leverage online platforms and digital solutions. While mobile phone usage is widespread in Nigeria, disparities in digital literacy and access to reliable internet connectivity can restrict the widespread adoption of online food ordering and delivery services, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This necessitates creative and inclusive strategies to bridge the digital gap and reach a broader consumer base.

Inefficiencies within the supply chain represent a critical bottleneck in the Nigerian food system. Fragmented agricultural supply chains, characterised by numerous intermediaries and a lack of transparency, contribute to alarmingly high post-harvest losses.

Inadequate storage facilities and inefficient transportation infrastructure further compound these issues, leading to significant waste and price volatility. Addressing these systemic weaknesses is crucial for ensuring a stable and affordable food supply for all Nigerians.

Navigating Nigeria’s regulatory landscape can also be a daunting task for foodtech businesses. The presence of multiple regulatory agencies, coupled with often bureaucratic and time-consuming processes for obtaining licenses and permits, can create significant hurdles for startups. Clear, consistent, and streamlined processes within the regulatory framework are essential to foster a more enabling environment for innovation and growth.

Building consumer trust and acceptance for new food technologies requires overcoming inherent skepticism and unfamiliarity. Concerns regarding food safety, quality, and the security of online transactions can hinder the adoption of novel food products and digital platforms. Transparent communication, robust quality control measures, and consistent consumer engagement are vital for building confidence and fostering widespread acceptance.

Finally, a notable talent gap exists within the Nigerian foodtech ecosystem. A shortage of professionals possessing specialised skills in food science, technology, business management, and logistics can limit the growth and innovation capacity of companies in this sector. Addressing this skills deficit through targeted training and development initiatives is crucial for long-term success.

Despite these significant challenges, promising pathways forward can be forged through innovative and context-specific approaches. Investing in localised infrastructure solutions, such as independent power generation and efficient localised logistics networks, can mitigate the impact of broader infrastructural deficiencies.

Exploring diverse funding avenues beyond traditional banking, including angel investors, government grants, crowdfunding, and revenue-based financing, can alleviate financial constraints.

Adapting to the digital divide by leveraging basic mobile technology and employing offline strategies like local agent networks can expand reach and inclusivity. Building resilient supply chains through direct farmer relationships, investing in aggregation centres, and utilising technology for farm management offer tangible solutions to logistical inefficiencies.

Proactive engagement with regulatory bodies and advocating for clearer, more supportive policies are crucial for navigating the regulatory landscape effectively. Building consumer trust necessitates transparent sourcing practices, clear communication about product benefits and safety, and active engagement with consumer feedback.

Finally, investing in talent development through collaborations with educational institutions and in-house training programs can bridge the critical skills gap.

Foodstuff Store is emerging as a business with a clear vision to directly confront several of these challenges. We are actively developing a decentralised network of businesses supported by strategically located distribution hubs across target states. This approach will directly address the limitations imposed by poor road networks, ensuring more localised access to our food products.

Furthermore, the establishment of regional storage facilities, including a state-of-the-art solar-powered cold storage, directly tackles infrastructural deficiencies related to food preservation and ensuring a consistent supply.

Foodstuff Store’s ambition for end-to-end management of the food supply chain, encompassing in-house production, direct sourcing, advanced storage solutions, and efficient distribution, offers a powerful solution to existing supply chain inefficiencies.

This integrated approach promises enhanced quality control, significant reductions in post-harvest losses, and a more reliable supply of both perishable and non-perishable goods for our customers.

Our aspiration to become the “Amazon for Food Products” is a clear and ambitious goal underpinned by a technology-driven approach to all aspects of our operational management. Foodstuff Store’s vision underscores a business model strategically designed to overcome significant hurdles within the Nigerian foodtech sector, offering a beacon of potential and a pathway to a more secure and efficient food system in a challenging yet remarkably promising landscape.

By Diana Tenebe is the Chief Operating Officer of Foodstuff Store

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President’s Katsina State Visit Exposes Disconnect from People’s Needs

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tinubu in katsina

By Abba Dukawa

The recent visit by the President Bola Tinubu to Katsina State has sparked concerns about the disconnect between the government’s priorities and the people’s needs. The visit exposed the hypocritical approach to the need of their people, states and the northern Nigeria as whole. The quality of leadership in the region has been questioned, with allegations of self serving  interest, ineptitude, and a lack of vision.

This is in spite of the fact that northern Nigeria as a whole faces numerous challenges that threaten its stability and development. Some of the key issues include insecurity, poverty, education, economic hardship, inequality and social and cultural challenges. The visit has been seen as an opportunity missed to engage with the state’s residents, listen to their concerns, and chart a way forward for development.

While the visit was marked by displays of pageantry and entertainment, the state’s pressing issues such as insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship, seemed to take a backseat.  Critics argue that the government’s focus on superficial events rather than addressing the root causes of the state’s challenges is a clear indication of a disconnect from the people’s needs.

The introduction of Rarara’s wife to the President by the Katsina State Governor, contravening cultural and religious norms, raise questions about leaders’ priorities and values.

Current leaders in the north seem more focused on personal interests and political survival than advocating for the northern Nigeria improvement.

Regardless of the challenges in the region the Governors  keep  praise for the President’s economic reforms, notwithstanding the region’s struggles, is concerning. economic reforms should lift people out of poverty, create jobs, and stimulate growth. If not yielding tangible benefits, they need reevaluation.

The north needs leaders prioritizing regional development and working towards a brighter future. Leaders understanding our region’s problems and committed to tackling them head-on are crucial. It’s time for a shift in approach, prioritizing people’s needs over personal interests.

As we move forward, we must demand more from our leaders. We need leaders who will stand up for the north and work tirelessly to find solutions. Anything less is a disservice to the region and its people.

We need leaders who cultivate a culture of good governance, prioritizing accountability and transparency to address insecurity and promote development.

The north needs a visionary leaders who prioritize all citizens’ needs, regardless of tribe or religion, are crucial for unity and stability.

Leaders who accelerate economic development, create jobs, and provide essential services like education and healthcare can reduce poverty and insecurity.

We require leaders who will combat corruption and promote social justice, reducing inequality and fostering stability.

In northern Nigeria, effective security reforms are necessary, including modernizing security agencies, enhancing intelligence gathering, and addressing insecurity’s root causes to ensure public safety.

To bridge the gap between the government and the people, there is a need for leaders who understand the intricacies of the state’s problems and are committed to tackling them head-on. By prioritizing the people’s needs and working towards sustainable development, the government can build trust and foster a sense of ownership among its citizens

May God guide Nigeria towards true development and prosperity.

Dukawa, a concerned Nigerian, can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com

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