Jigawa POWA supports widows with cash, food items

The Police Officers’ Wives Association, Jigawa State Command, has commemorated International Widows’ Day by supporting 20 widows with cash and food items to ease their daily struggles, the association stated.

Arewa PUNCH gathered that the International Widows’ Day is observed globally on June 23 every year to atteact attention to the challenges widows face after losing their spouses.

It was further learnt that the day is usually marked with advocacy, welfare programmes, and community support to promote inclusion and social justice for widows and their children.

Speaking during the occasion on Tuesday, at an even that held at the command premises in Dutse, Jigawa State capital, under the directives of POWA National President, Chief Mrs. Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu, the Chairperson of POWA, Jigawa State Police Command, represented by the Secretary, Hajiya Fatimah Ibrahim, emphasised the need to remember widows.

“The day serves as a reminder of society’s collective responsibility to show care, empathy, and practical support to those who have lost their spouses,” she said.

Hajiya Fatimah noted that widows continue to play significant roles in their families despite difficulties, stressing that, “Widows remain pillars in their homes and communities, and they deserve consistent support and recognition.”

According to her, the Jigawa POWA humanitarian outreach was organised in a warm and dignified atmosphere to reflect the association’s commitment to vulnerable groups, especially widows who keep families and society running despite the socio-economic challenges.

“The gesture is aimed to promotes compassion, inclusion for vulnerable families in the state,” she remarked.

Ibrahiim added that POWA is committed to enhancing welfare within the police community, adding, “This outreach reflects POWA’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of vulnerable groups, particularly widows.”

As part of activities marking the celebration, not fewer than 20 widows received relief materials and financial assistance, Hajiya Fatimah confirmed.

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“Each beneficiary received spaghetti, groundnut oil, seasoning cubes, and cash support of N30,000 to cushion their daily needs,” she disclosed.

However, the command urged individuals and organisations to extend kindness to widows and other vulnerable members of society.

Fatimah concluded that compassion must go beyond one day, insisting, “While we mark International Widows’ Day today, our support for widows and vulnerable families must continue throughout the year,” she said.

While speaking with  Arewa PUNCH shortly after the occasion, some beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the gesture.

Mrs. Aisha Umar, one of the widows, said the support came at the right time.

“We thank POWA Jigawa for remembering us today. The food items and cash will help my children and I for some time,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Ruth M Lawal, also praised the association, saying “May God bless POWA and the police command. This kindness shows they care about widows like us. We pray they continue with this good work.”

The widows further prayed for continued success for the association, saying, “We ask Allah to give POWA strength to sustain impactful initiatives like this.”

Our correspondent reports officials from the event as saying the outreach aligns with POWA’s national mandate to promote welfare, community engagement, and humanitarian services within the police family.