By Zika Bobby
The Rose of Sharon Foundation (RoSF), a non-profit and faith-based organisation dedicated to alleviating the burdens faced by widows and orphans, has unveiled plans to commemorate its 15th anniversary of championing socio-legal protection and economic empowerment for widows, their children, and orphans in Nigeria.
To mark this milestone, the foundation has outlined a series of activities. Among them is a nationwide awareness and advocacy walk, which will take place in key locations across the country. This event aims to unite communities and raise awareness about the peculiar challenges faced by widows, while emphasising the importance of upholding their rights.
Additionally, the foundation will present a short documentary that chronicles the transformative policy journey towards socio-legal protection for widows and orphans.
Reflecting on the anniversary, its founder, Apostle Folorunso Alakija described the journey as a worthwhile and rewarding experience, emphasising the fulfilment derived from catering to the welfare and economic empowerment of disadvantaged widows and ensuring their children’s education.
Alakija also highlighted the foundation’s significant progress in advocacy, particularly in promoting the rights of widows, which supported the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in 2015.
Dr. Ndudi Bowei, Country Manager of the foundation, acknowledged the foundation’s impactful contribution to advancing widows’ rights through legislation and other interventions.
Bowei stressed the foundation’s unwavering commitment to championing the cause of widows through initiatives and programmes that support socio-legal protection, and guarantee financial independence and educational opportunities for widows, their dependents, and orphans.
She said the nationwide advocacy walk is part of a week-long programme that aims to encourage individuals and organisations to lend support in promoting the rights of the vulnerable in our society.
She said the foundation has directly impacted the lives of 6000 beneficiaries through life-changing programmes such as vocational training, interest-free loans, residential/business accommodation, access to medical care and educational scholarships. “Rosf currently has 2782 beneficiaries consisting of 1001 widows, 1207 widows’ children, 231 orphans and 343 graduates. This makes it one of the few NGOs in the country to provide widows with this level of assistance,” she said.