The Bunu Women Development Forum (BWDF) has marked its first anniversary with the empowerment of over 100 widows and women across the six political wards of Bunu District.
The epoch-making event, which was held at Oke-Offin Bunu, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, attracted dignitaries, political leaders, women groups and stakeholders from across Bunu land and beyond.
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The President of the Forum, Evang. Abigail Aledare, in her address, expressed gratitude to God for the journey of the Forum in the last one year, describing it as a story of resilience, unity and growth.
She specially appreciated the patrons of the Forum — Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), the State Security Adviser to the Kogi State Government and Hon. Duro Meseko, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and their Matron, Chief Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijjani Onumoko (FCNA, FCTI), the Accountant General of Kogi State, for their immense support, guidance and fatherly/motherly roles towards the development and sustenance of the Forum. According to her, their encouragement and financial support have been the pillars behind the success story of the Forum.
Evang. Aledare also recalled that the Forum started with just about ten (10) founding members, but to the glory of God, it has grown to over 2,000 members spread across Bunu land, a testament to the acceptability of its vision to uplift women and promote development.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, praised the high level of cooperation and unity among women in Bunu land. He noted that Bunu women have indeed taken the stage and are setting the pace for purposeful women organization in Kogi State. He commended the Forum for choosing empowerment over mere celebration, adding that empowering widows and vulnerable women is the best way to mark an anniversary.
In his remarks, the Patron of the Forum and State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), saluted the initiative behind the creation of the Bunu Women Development Forum (BWDF), saying the women have demonstrated resilience, capacity and commitment over the last one year. He noted that their commitment towards empowering women and widows is truly remarkable and worthy of support. In his capacity as Patron, Commander Omodara gave out ₦500,000 cash empowerment to 2 women, in addition to other empowerment items to support the program. He also announced another donation of ₦2 million on behalf of the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, as part of the Governor’s support for women empowerment and grassroots development.
The event also witnessed massive support from other well-meaning individuals. Arch. Salman Idris, Chief Toyin Omole, Hon. Ampitan Timothy Joojo, Hon. Nathaniel Taiwo and others supported the Forum with cash donations and empowerment items such as sewing machines, grinding machines and other business support tools to boost the livelihoods of the beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries who spoke at the event expressed profound appreciation to the Forum and its leadership, praying for the growth of BWDF and for more impactful programs in the years ahead.
The anniversary celebration not only marked one year of existence but also reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to women development, unity and empowerment in Bunu District.
