It was a day of fun, excitement and activities as Serendipity House Widows Foundation celebrated the International Widows’ Day on 23 June 2025 in Lagos.
The event was used to reflect on the challenges that widows face and opportunities that exist for them in the Nigerian economy.
The theme of the event was “Widows rising strong together with Heaven’s comfort in the storm of life: The renewal”.
Speaking at the event which saw hundreds of widows in attendance, Olori Dame Ayodele Jaiyeola, the Convener of Serendipity Widows’ House Foundation, said that widowhood is a phase in life, adding that widows should move on with their lives and take care of their children.
She charged widows to learn a trade, do a business, find a job and be financially independent, adding that they not be a burden on society.
She called on governments at different levels in the country to amend laws that harm widows in the country.
She invited royal fathers, local government Chairmen to focus on widows in their constituencies. “We’re their responsibilities, ‘ she said.
Jaiyeola stated that many widows in the country suffer because of outdated laws and cultural practices that deny them inheritance rights, economic opportunities, and protection.
She called on the governments to enact policies and implement policies and programmes that protect the rights and advance the economic interest of widows in Nigeria.
Jaiyeola had in her fight for widows asked state governors to set up a Widows Commission which will focus on widows in society and recalled that Ministries of Women Affairs cannot fully support widows, adding that WIDOWCARE has to do with over eight million widows in Nigeria.
The chairperson and chief host of the event, Lion Mrs. Florence Olaide Osofisan, urged the widows to stand strong, adding that they should support and encourage one another, adding that they can still make contributions to society and their communities.
According to her, “Widowhood is not the end of your life; find something to do that wil make you not to depend on other people for financial assistance. If you work hard and become successful, people will come looking for you. You should not isolate yourself from the community.”
She tasked them to work together and pray together, adding that God is always with them. She commended Dame Ayo Jaiyeola for her work with widows in Nigeria and Africa.
In his comment, Venerable Ayo Akinwale, biological father of the missioner of the foundation, commended her gor taking care of widows in the country.
Lady Tutu Ososanya a just retired Permanent Secretary in Lagos State and Vice Chairman of Serendipity, frowned at the way widows are treated in the country and called for equity in the way they are treated, adding that they are not different from others except for their positions.
Pastor Joseph Adeyemi, praised Olori Jaiyeola for establishing the foundation, with which she has been taking care of widows for over thirty years.
According to him, God gave the missioner a vision to care for widows and she has faithfully executed the vision for 30 years. He prayed that God will continue to give her the grace and resources to help widows.
The missioner sent words of appreciation to all her regular, one off and many more helpers that God will send to Serendipity.
Many bsupporters and partners were given awards for their support.
