By Sonnie Nwosu

Ray of Hope Empowerment Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation demonstrated the incredible spirit of compassion, kindness and unity that defines human beings by putting smiles on the faces of widows Commemorate 2023 World Humanitarian Day on Sunday 19th August.

A day set aside to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for humanity.

The memorable event which took place at the organization’s office in Lugbe, Abuja started with an opening prayer by the programme coordinator, Mrs. Lori, then the National Coordinator, Christybelle Sylva-John gave the widows a heart warming words of encouragement.

The widows were highly excited as food items worth over 600,000 Naira, ranging from rice, beans garri, vegetable oil, tomatoe puree was given to over 20 of them, while 6 women received 25,000 Naira each to boost their ailing businesses. In her speech, the founder of the organization, Christybelle Sylva-John stated that with this years theme; “It takes a Village”, it indeed takes everyone to come together to make the world a better place for all.

She posited that together we can build a brighter future for everyone regardless of our differences if we take a moment to recognize the power we hold hold to make positive changes in the world.

She quoted the scriptures copiously and admonished Nigerians to extend a helping hand to spread love and inspire one another to create a world filled with mutual understanding and empathy.

Citing the high cost of food items now, she asserted that the death of a husband can be very devastating which makes a lot widows who are not financially capable to fall into depression hence the need to reach out to some widows with food items and cash donations.

She pleaded with individuals and corporate bodies to help the organization in their efforts to empower more women to be economically independent and add value to the society.

The widows led by Mrs. Glory Charcoal gave a word of appreciation on behalf of her members and thanked Christybelle Sylva-John profusely for her great vision for a better society, not forgetting the volunteers who worked with her in making the programme a huge and remarkable success.

It was a pleasurable sight to the widows who couldn’t contain their emotions as some of them were shedding tears of joy in gratitude to the kind and unsolicited gesture from Christybelle, founder of Ray of Hope Foundation.