The Abba Father Foundation (AFF), in partnership with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Delta Province 22, on Saturday, 6 December 2025, empowered more than 180 widows with bags of rice, supported 15 petty traders with cash grants and awarded full scholarships to two male orphans to university level.
The empowerment programme was held at the RCCG Alpha and Omega Mega Parish, Ughelli, Delta State.
Chairperson of the foundation, Pastor Mrs. Ifeakachukwu Alufe, said the initiative was aimed at providing relief to widows, petty traders and orphans. She noted that many vulnerable people still struggle to meet their daily needs and require consistent support.
Mrs. Alufe urged widows not to lose hope, stressing that the death of a spouse does not mark the end of their journey. Sharing her personal experience, she recalled becoming a widow, just three years into her marriage.
“I depended on hard work and a close walk with God until I remarried after ten years,” she said. She cautioned widows against exchanging their bodies for financial assistance, advising them instead to pursue dignifying ventures that protect their value and integrity.
She expressed appreciation to her husband and other partners for contributing to the success of the programme and assured that subsequent editions would be expanded. She also encouraged the petty traders to make prudent use of the support received.
Barrister Dele Alufe, husband of the chairperson and a pastor at the hosting parish, described his wife’s passion for widow empowerment as divinely inspired. He noted that the programme also created an opportunity to preach the gospel to attendees.
He advised women facing oppression or intimidation from their late husbands’ families to seek legal protection rather than submit to harmful cultural practices.
Resource persons—Mrs. Njoku Aritshma, Mrs. Rita Alabi and Mrs. Ugwu Nnenna—addressed the women on topics including self-worth, proper child upbringing and emotional resilience. They urged widows to avoid self-pity and distance themselves from pressures that may push them into unhealthy competition or exploitation.
The Beneficiaries of the empowerment programme expressed gratitude to Pastor Mrs. Alufe and her family, praying for greater prosperity and divine protection upon them.
High point of the occasion was the presentation of bags of rice and cash grants to widows, including petty traders.
