By SANI IDRIS

Pastors United for Change Association (PUCA), on Saturday empowered 50 widows in Kaduna with N100,000 each.

Speaking at the end of the year prayers/thanksgiving and widows’ empowerment programme, Apostle David Adenian, the National Chairman of the association, said the donation was aimed at bringing succour to the widows amidst the economic hardship.

He said the token, though not huge, would enable the women to hold on to something as the yuletide approaches.

Adenian lamented that, although there were diverse challenges in the country, they would be overcome.

He thanked Gov. Uba Sani for ensuring good governance and pragmatic leadership in the state.

“He has demonstrated that peaceful coexistence is possible irrespective of ethnicity, gender and religious divides,” he said.

The national chairman, therefore, said that, as a reputable association, they would always complement the efforts of the government in bringing succour to the poor and the less-privileged ones in the society.

He emphasised the need for collaboration and synergy by the Kaduna state government with reputable associations in the state.

“No government can provide everything needed by her citizens, there must be synergy and collaboration with reputable partners.

“This is the beginning in our journey towards widows and the less privileged empowerment. By the grace of God, we shall improve on it next year,” he said.

Adenian urged all the members across the 23 local government areas of the state not to relent in their efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence among the people irrespective of ethnicity, gender and religion.

Admonishing the beneficiaries, Rev. Joseph Hayab, the Country Director, Peace Foundation, urged them to make judicious use of the cash donations.

Hayab, who was a former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State, advised the association to engage in more viable empowerment projects to the widows and less privileged.

He advised that subsequently, beneficiaries of such empowerment should be taught skills acquisition or trades that would empower them for life.

He extolled the association for the gesture, adding that it would go a long way in ameliorating the widows’ suffering especially amidst the hard economy.

Sani commended the association for its tireless efforts in empowering widows and orphans.

Sani, represented by the state’s Commissioner, Ministry of Business Innovation and Technology (MBIT), Mrs Patient Fakai, said the programme was a reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and kindness.

“We recognise that life can be unpredictable and challenging, leaving some of our brothers and sisters, particularly widows and orphans, in need of support and care,” he said.

Sani, therefore, said the state government under his leadership was committed to creating an inclusive and equitable society where everyone has access to opportunities and resources.

In line with the commitment, he said, they had implemented various initiatives aimed at empowering vulnerable groups, including widows and orphans.

The initiatives, he said, included skills training, education support, healthcare services, and economic empowerment programmes.

The Governor listed the state’s three skill cities in Kaduna, Soba, and Samaru Kataf, which were billed to begin operations in January 2025.

He said young persons, especially orphans and out-of-school children would have the opportunity to learn profitable trades and skills in order to secure a livelihood for themselves.

He urged PUCA to continue its good work, adding such efforts were making a significant difference in the lives of the vulnerable individuals.

Sani reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting widows and orphans and in particular other vulnerable members of the society.

The beneficiaries thanked the association for the support, emphasising that its kindness and compassion have brought hopes and succour to their lives amidst the soaring inflation. (NAN)

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