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By Damiete Braide, Lagos
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Exploration and Production (NNPC E&P) in collaboration with Natural Oilfield Services Limited (NOSL) recently empowered 50 widows from Akpaden and Ekim communities, within Mkpat Enin, Local Government Area at First Fruit Hotel, Eket, Akwa Ibom.
Chief Etebom Moses Ukpong, Clan Head, Ikpa Ibom, in his welcome address said, ‘Helping the widows in our communities by NNPC E&P and NOSL is truly commendable and highly appreciated. Such initiative will serve as a stepping stone for their growth and development in the community.’
He noted, “There is also no uniform lifestyle for widows, but financial contributions can play a pivotal role in fostering self-reliance and prepare them to face the challenges in their lives.
Mrs Uduak Etukudo, Principal Cooperative Registrar, Ministry of Women Affairs, added, “This is a thoughtful gesture from NNPC E&P and NOSL and this will create a platform where widow’s voices will be heard and respected.’
In her words, “To overcome scarcity, achieve financial and self-sufficiency, NNPC E&P and NOSL are committed to enhancing livelihood of the widows in the host communities, for a sustained positive transformation.
“Economic stability binds a woman to her family. The financial setback that comes with losing a husband amalgams the misery felt by the widows. Widowhood remains an important risk factor for transition into poverty and it changes the social and economic characters of women in the community.”
Dignitaries that graced the occasion were Chief Youni Ekamem, Village Head of Akpaden; Eteidung Paulinus J Udoh, Village Head of Ekim; and Group Captain Etete Ekpo (retd), Senior Base Manager of NOSL, Akwa Ibom State, among others.
