By Janet Sam
The Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, Engr. Obadiah Nkom, has called on Nigerians, philanthropists, and institutions to step up support for widows, widowers, orphans, and the elderly.
Speaking at the CCWA Annual Convention, themed “Empowering and Raising the Forgotten,” Engr. Nkom emphasized that while government welfare programs exist, they cannot meet all the needs of society’s most vulnerable. “Every family is directly or indirectly connected to widows, widowers, or orphans. This makes CCWA’s work a vital national service,” he said, praising the foresight of CCWA Founder, Prof. Deborah Ajakaiye, whose vision has sustained the organization for over three decades.
In her welcome address, Prof. Ajakaiye highlighted the remarkable growth of CCWA, from a small home-based initiative to over 678 centers nationwide. She noted that through skills training, micro-enterprise loans, scholarships, and healthcare programs, thousands of beneficiaries have been empowered—many now professionals and entrepreneurs contributing meaningfully to national development.
National Coordinator, Mrs. Alexandra Nathan, reiterated the organization’s commitment to transforming the lives of vulnerable groups. She urged government agencies, political leaders, and private individuals to take active responsibility, warning that neglecting the vulnerable harms society, while their empowerment yields positive national outcomes. “The transformation of widows, orphans, and the elderly today determines the moral and social stability of Nigeria’s future,” she stressed.
Testimonies from beneficiaries underscored CCWA’s impact. Mrs. Charity Damena from Pambegua District, Kaduna, shared how the organization’s programs helped widows rebuild their lives, strengthen their faith, and gain economic independence. She expressed deep gratitude to CCWA leadership and partners for restoring hope and fostering sustainable community support.
The convention, marking more than three decades of humanitarian service, united national leaders, beneficiaries, and supporters in celebrating CCWA’s enduring mission to uplift society’s most vulnerable.