From Yakubu Wuyep, Jos
The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protect widows, empower women, and create economic opportunities for young people, as a deliberate priority to care for the vulnerable.
Mutfwang stated this on Sunday, during a worship and Widows’ Remembrance Service at COCIN Bukuru, Gyel, Plateau State.
Addressing the congregation, Mutfwang called on the worshippers and Christian faithful across the state to foster unity within the Church, which he described as the foundation for lasting peace and harmony in Plateau State.
”The unity of Plateau State depends on the Church. If the Church takes the lead, irrespective of tribe or background, the people of Plateau will come together as one family because none of us can stand alone; we need one another,” he said in a statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere, on Monday in Jos.
Commending the resilience and sacrifices of widows, the Governor noted that many successful individuals owe their achievements to the unwavering dedication of women who persevered under difficult circumstances.
Recalling personal experiences, he urged citizens never to despise humble beginnings, emphasising that honest labour and determination can shape great destinies.
Mutfwang disclosed that his administration has revived the Widowhood Centre in Mangu, where over one hundred widows graduated from vocational programmes last year, while an additional five hundred women have received various livelihood skills. He further revealed that the state recently paid counterpart funding for a World Bank-supported programme that will train 90,000 women across Plateau State.
”Our support for widows is government policy. We cannot ignore women, especially widows who are genuinely in need. They deserve dignity, empowerment and opportunities to rebuild their lives,” the governor stated.
He, further stressed that “caring for widows should not rest solely on government and the Church, insisting that families bear the primary responsibility of supporting bereaved women and elderly parents. He condemned the practice of relatives dispossessing widows of their late husbands’ property,” while also urging surviving spouses to care for the parents of deceased partners where circumstances permit.
Mutfwang announced a donation of ₦10 million to support widows in the church and invited 50 youths from the church with viable business plans to submit their proposals through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for assessment by the appropriate government agency, assuring them that successful applicants would receive support to establish sustainable businesses.
He also called on residents to strengthen collaboration with security agencies by volunteering credible information capable of preventing criminal activities.
”When you see something, say something. Security depends on intelligence. Together, we can keep Plateau safe and continue on the path of peace and progress,” he urged.
Earlier in his sermon titled “A Defender of Widows,” Associate Pastor Nehemiah Mafiyai drew his message from Psalm 68:5 and 2 Kings 4:1-7, describing God as the protector of widows and the father of the fatherless.
The cleric distinguished between widows who have family support and what Scripture describes as “widows indeed” challenging families, the Church and society to protect and care for widows, stressing that neglecting them contradicts biblical teachings.stressing, financial hardship should never be interpreted as a lack of God’s favour.
In his remarks, Kefas Ropshik, popularly known as Kefiano, commended COCIN Gyel for institutionalising a special service to honour widows, describing it as a ministry that reflects God’s heart for the vulnerable.
Goodwill messages and special prayers for the widows and the state climaxed the event.