By Janet Sam
The Christian Care for Widows, Widowers, Orphans, and the Aged (CCWA) has called on government agencies, corporate organizations, embassies, and individuals to partner in its 2025 Annual Convention and Exhibition, scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Women Development Centre, Abuja.
Founded 33 years ago by Professor Deborah Ajakaiye, CCWA has transformed thousands of lives nationwide through skills training, education, healthcare, and emotional support. After a seven-year break due to funding challenges and insecurity, the 2025 convention, themed “Embracing the Forgotten,” aims to reunite and celebrate over 125,000 widows and orphans under the organization’s care.
At a press briefing, Barrister Tina Ene Yao, Chairman of the Planning Committee, explained that past conventions spanned five days and included medical outreaches, skill acquisition workshops, solidarity walks, and exhibitions. “This year, due to financial constraints, the event will be condensed into one day,” she said. Barrister Tina lamented that CCWA has largely depended on individual donations, appealing for stronger government and corporate partnerships to sustain its work. “These people need to be seen, supported, and celebrated,” she urged.
Professor Apkezi Ogbuigwe, Chairman of the CCWA Team Forum, described Professor Ajakaiye as a visionary inspired by James 1:27, emphasizing care for widows and orphans. She highlighted that many of CCWA’s members are victims of violence and displacement, adding: “The work of CCWA is urgent. We are embracing the forgotten and restoring hope to those who have lost everything.”
Mrs. Alexandra Nathan, National Coordinator, said CCWA provides holistic support—physical, emotional, and spiritual—to its beneficiaries. Its seven core programs include skills development, counseling, and education. “A person can be supported financially and still be emotionally down. We ensure that body, mind, and soul are nurtured so that healing is complete,” she said.
Despite the absence of national conventions in recent years, Mrs. Nathan noted that zonal programs continued, training thousands of widows in practical skills. She emphasized that empowering vulnerable women and children strengthens society, warning, “The person you don’t help today may become tomorrow’s social problem.”
Mrs. Adeola Bako, a CCWA member for three years, praised the founder’s initiatives, describing scholarships and skill empowerment programs as life-changing. She stressed the need for more resources to expand the organization’s reach: “With more partners, we can do more—buying sewing machines, grinding machines, and other equipment will put smiles on their faces and give them hope.”
The 2025 convention will feature free medical screenings, exhibitions of products made by widows and orphans, and scholarship awards to deserving students. Speakers emphasized that CCWA’s work is inclusive, transcending religion. “Death is not discriminatory. Our care is driven by love, not faith,” said Mrs. Dupe Kashimawo.
CCWA invited Nigerians to attend the 2025 Annual Convention and Exhibition at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Women Development Centre, Central Area, Abuja. “Come and celebrate them. Come and support them. Come and see that there is still hope for the forgotten,” the organizers urged.