The Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), in partnership with renowned media entrepreneur , empowered over 140 widows during its 2025 annual Sallah get-together held in Ibadan on Sunday.
During the event, the widows received food items and cash gifts as part of the newly refocused empowerment initiative. This marked a shift from the usual celebratory festivities to a more impactful programme aimed at supporting vulnerable members of society.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of BCOS, Chief Mrs. Dotun Olaitan, explained that the transformation of the annual gathering was driven by a desire to address the real needs of disadvantaged individuals, especially widows.
She encouraged the beneficiaries not to succumb to depression due to their circumstances, noting that emotional wellbeing is crucial for maintaining good health. Olaitan also commended Oloye Adegoke for his consistent dedication to humanitarian causes and for using his resources to uplift the less privileged.
Alhaji Kola Carew, Chairman of the 2025 BCOS Sallah Get-Together Committee, emphasized that the initiative aimed to share the joy of the season with widows while easing their burdens and showing them love and care.
Delivering a sermon titled “The Plight of Widows in Nigeria”, Guest Lecturer Sheikh Habeeblahi Buhari highlighted the many challenges widows face, including loneliness and hunger. He urged them to stay strong and focus on raising their children to become successful individuals.
The sponsor of the programme, Oloye Adegboyega Adegoke—who also serves as the Chairman of Solutions FM, Ibadan, and the Are Egbe Omo Balogun of Ibadanland—stated that the empowerment was his way of giving back to society.
“Giving to the needy is one of the five pillars of Islam,” Adegoke said. “We are blessed not just for ourselves but for those around us. No one should enjoy their wealth in isolation—especially when widows are struggling to raise children, pay school fees, and meet basic needs.”
He advised the beneficiaries to make wise use of the financial support by investing in low-risk businesses that could improve their livelihoods.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Fatima Mufutau, expressed gratitude for the gesture, describing it as a shining example of what wealthy individuals should do for the less privileged. “We give glory to God and hope others will follow this noble example,” she said.
Another widow, Mrs. Bode Kehinde, called on all levels of government to learn from the initiative and do more to alleviate the hardships of widows. “We thank God for using him to bring hope to the hopeless,” she added.
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