A renowned Edo businessman and philanthropist, Mr. Godwin Okoduwa, has disbursed cash grants and food items to over 1,500 vulnerable women, including widows and the less-privileged, as part of his social welfare and women empowerment programme.
The empowerment programme, which took place at the Okajiesan Town Hall, Irrua, saw each beneficiary receive ₦100,000 in cash support and a bag of rice. The initiative was aimed at easing economic hardship and improving household stability among low-income families across Esan Central.
Speaking during the event, Okoduwa said, “This is Uwesan in Esan Central. What I am doing now is empowering our people; women especially. It’s a personal effort, I am not a politician. I am a businessman; in fact, a trader. I feel like giving back to the society. I have been doing it, this is not my first time.”
He explained that the initiative was created to enhance the social and economic welfare of the most vulnerable members of society, especially widows who continue to shoulder the responsibility of family survival under difficult circumstances.
His words, “The empowerment of widows and less privileged women is not just a moral duty, but a social responsibility that we take very seriously. We recognize the difficult circumstances many of these women face after losing their loved ones, including economic hardship and social exclusion,” he said.
According to him, the programme goes beyond temporary relief, as it is designed to restore dignity, hope, and opportunity for women to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the development of Edo State.
“This empowerment is not just about providing financial resources, but about creating sustainable opportunities that will allow these women to support themselves and their families,” Okoduwa added.
Some of the beneficiaries described the intervention as timely and life-changing, noting that the support would help them expand their small businesses, meet family needs, and regain confidence.
Organisers, including Mrs. Okoduwa, explained that the initiative forms part of a multi-year empowerment plan, assuring that more phases will be launched to reach additional beneficiaries in the near future.
Community leaders and stakeholders at the event commended the programme for its organisation, transparency, and wide reach.
“The impact of this programme will not end today,” said Hon. Linda Omonzele. “Empowered women change the narrative of their families and communities. Today, more than 1,500 families have a stronger chance at stability.”
“For many of us, this is not just money or rice,” said one beneficiary. “This is hope. This is opportunity to build something better for our children.”
Recipients also said the rice donation provided immediate relief for families struggling with rising food prices, while the cash grant offered them flexibility to invest in petty trading, hairdressing, tailoring, farming inputs, transportation, or school fees.
