OWERRI -Worried by the disturbing prevailing economic climate in the country which has compounded the woes of the needy, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) 鈥淥ff The Hook Foundation For Rural Dwellers,鈥 has taken the challenge to alleviate the plight of over 20,000 widows in Imo communities with vital support in food items, mentoring, advocacy, clothing and shelter.
According to the founder, HRM Ugoeze Chigbo Nwamara, the Foundation, established a decade ago, had so far equipped more than 5,000 widows with practical skills, thus leading many to establish thriving businesses and achieve financial independence.
鈥淎 standpoint achievement was in 2018 when the 鈥淥ff The Hook Foundation鈥 in partnership with USAID trained and empowered 108 young widows out of 2,000 in attendance who received sewing machines, baking equipment and much more, allowing them to launch successful businesses, many of which are flourishing today.鈥
Ugoeze Nwamara who is the wife of the traditional ruler of Umueze Chokoneze Community, Ezinihitte Mbaise Council Area, HRH Eze Mike Nwamara (KSC) (Ezeukwu II) disclosed this at a ceremony marking the 2025 International Widows鈥 Day and the 10th year of the humanitarian service of her Foundation held at the palace of the monarch.
Speaking extensively at the ceremony which had the theme 鈥淚nnovation and Technology for Gender Equality鈥 during which 100 young widows were empowered with practical income generating skills, medical outreach and distribution of clothing, household items as well as food items to approximately 500 widows, Ugoeze Nwamara said, 鈥淲e have provided assistance to our youths by helping them with school feeds and registration for WASC examinations ensuring they have access to education and opportunity for a brighter future and we have constructed safe housing for vulnerable widows and the elderly.
She added that the medical outreach of the organisation in collaboration with its partner, 鈥淢edical and Humanitarian Aide for Africa (MAHAFA), had provided free healthcare services to over 5,000 widows and their duties.
While assuring that her NGO is committed to expanding its services, innovative programmes, advocacy and awareness in future, Ugoeze Nwamara said, 鈥淟et us unite in our efforts to create a world where no woman suffers in silence; no elder is left behind and every youth is given the opportunity to thrive.