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By Adebowale Johnson
Mercy Ogbuehi Widows and Orphans Foundation (MOWOF), on March 18, 2026, inaugurated a new vocational training centre at Old Road, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State. It is to empower widows, orphans and other vulnerable persons through skill acquisition and social support.
Trustee and director of the foundation, Mr. Friday Ogbuehi, described the Owerri branch as a major step in the organisation’s growth and its determination to reach more people in need.
“The foundation’s expansion from Lagos, where it has operated successfully for several years, reflects the steady development and strengthening of its humanitarian work.”
The foundation was established in honour of Lolo Mercy Ogbuehi: “When our mother was alive, she took great joy in helping the weak, the poor and vulnerable people around her. Establishing this foundation is our own way of immortalising her and continuing the vision she lived for.”
The Owerri centre would replicate the empowerment model already implemented at the Lagos branch. Ogbuehi explained: “The new centre will begin with a limited number of skill acquisition programmes and expand gradually as more resources and support become available.
“The initial programmes will include catering and industrial training, while additional vocational skills such as fashion design, shoemaking, beauty services and event decoration will be introduced in phases.
“Owerri is strategically located and serves as a hub for many surrounding communities. With this new branch, we are able to reach and support more widows and orphans beyond Lagos.”
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Pastor (Mrs.) Bridget Chikezirim, also trustee and director, said: “The significance of this programme is to help widows and orphans put food on their table, especially in these difficult times. It is also aimed at equipping them with skills so they can fend for themselves.
“We noticed that there are many vulnerable people here who are suffering and in need of help. That inspired us to extend our support to them. For now, we are starting with two departments, but we plan to expand and introduce more vocational training programmes.
“Our expectation is that through this foundation there will no longer be poor and vulnerable widows and orphans. It brings us great joy to see smiles on people’s faces, and we believe this Owerri branch will change many lives and turn nobodies into somebodies.”
She described the foundation’s work as an expression of practical Christian faith. Quoting James 1:27, she said: “True religion involves defending and supporting widows, orphans and others in distress. “We believe that anyone who claims to be a Christian must also show compassion and help change lives. This is what we call practical Christianity.”
Meanwhile, the foundation recently celebrated the graduation of 46 trainees from its vocational training programmes in Lagos. The beneficiaries were largely drawn from widows and other vulnerable groups. Out of the 46 graduates, 40 were widows, one a widower and two physically challenged trainees.
All were empowered with skills and support to start their own businesses. Thirty of the trainees completed catering, including 28 widows, while 11 trainees graduated from industrial training after a six-month programme. Two physically challenged beneficiaries completed a one-year shoemaking programme, while three widows completed a one-year beauty services training.
The foundation also established community support structure, “Cells,” in Lagos and Ogun states. With 409 widows already trained and empowered, beneficiaries are organised into 22 cells based on their locations to encourage mutual support and collaboration. Each cell is headed by a leader, while coordinators oversee activities in the groups to ensure members remain connected and supportive of one another.
Foundation’s President, Mrs. Nnenna Uchegbu, recently visited some cells including Oshodi, Palmgrove, Ikeja Cells 1–4, Alagbado and Egbeda, bringing her total visits to 17 cells. She encouraged members to continue supporting one another and strengthen the bonds of sisterhood within the community. She celebrated her birthday on April 11, 2026, with children at the foundation’s orphanage centre in Lagos.
