The Ondo State Government has earmarked N18 million to support vulnerable widows across three Local Government Areas of the state under the second phase of the O’Datiwa Widows’ Care Initiative.
The intervention, spearheaded by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, is aimed at providing succour to widows through free medical screening, drugs and financial assistance, particularly in the face of prevailing economic challenges.
The second phase of the programme was launched on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the palace of the Olubaka of Oka-Akoko Kingdom, Oba Dr Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, in Akoko South-West Local Government Area, where more than 500 widows from the 15 wards of the council benefited from the intervention.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Bosede Osamaye, said the initiative was designed by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to identify with widows, alleviate their hardships and strengthen their resilience.
She said the death of a spouse often placed significant economic and social burdens on women, particularly those left to cater for their children and families alone.
“The Governor has identified this vulnerable group who, as a result of the death of their spouses, are facing several hardships. We have come to engage with them, providing succour as a government to alleviate their poverty in a way we think we can,” Osamaye said.
She added that the initiative was also intended to demonstrate empathy and reassure widows of the state government’s commitment to their welfare.
The commissioner commended Governor Aiyedatiwa and his wife, Mrs Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, for their commitment to vulnerable groups, describing the programme as a demonstration of the administration’s concern for the less privileged.
The Olubaka of Oka-Akoko Kingdom, Oba Adeleye, who received the commissioner during a courtesy visit to his palace, commended the state government for introducing programmes aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable residents.
The monarch said the O’Datiwa Widows’ Care Initiative demonstrated the government’s concern for widows and other vulnerable members of society.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Temitope Radiat, expressed appreciation to the governor, his wife and the ministry, saying the intervention had provided widows with access to healthcare and financial assistance.
The programme was subsequently extended to Idanre Local Government Area on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, where over 200 widows from the council’s 10 wards benefited from free medical screening, drugs and financial support.
Speaking at the Idanre event held at the Better Life Hall, the Commissioner said the programme was designed to reach widows across the 18 local government areas of the state, encourage them and reassure them of the government’s continued support.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Kayode Kolawole, said Governor Aiyedatiwa had directed the ministry to provide medical care and grants to widows who could not afford healthcare services.
He said the intervention was intended to improve the well-being of the beneficiaries and help them cope with the challenges of caring for their families.
Also, a member of the Hospital Management Board, Nurse Arinola Adamolekun, commended the governor for supporting widows through the initiative.
A beneficiary, Olonimoyo Beatrice, described the intervention as commendable, saying it was reassuring to see the government remember and support widows in the community.
The ministry said the initiative would be extended to other local government areas as part of efforts to provide social protection and support for vulnerable women across the state.If you want, I can also give you 10 stronger newspaper-style headline options, including ones that lead with the **₦18m**, 700+ beneficiaries, or Aiyedatiwa’s widows intervention.
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