The Chinwe Bode-Akinwande (CBA) Foundation has marked a decade of impactful advocacy and intervention for widows in Nigeria with a high-level conference aimed at dismantling systemic barriers and promoting sustainable empowerment.
Held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, the conference — themed “Empowering Widows in Nigeria: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Vulnerability” — brought together leaders from business, development, and advocacy sectors to examine policies, partnerships, and social models that can lift widows out of poverty and exclusion.
Delivering the keynote address, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, Founder and Chairperson of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), described widow empowerment as both “a moral obligation and a national priority.” She lauded CBA Foundation’s founder, Mrs. Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, for turning empathy into structured action that restores dignity and hope.
“Through the CBA Foundation, you have given courage, confidence, and dignity to countless widows and children. Your work proves that one person’s vision can transform generations,” Oyagbola said.
In a goodwill message, Mrs. Acharu Osime, Head of Internal Communications at FirstBank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to inclusive growth and social responsibility.
“At FirstBank, we are passionate about supporting platforms that empower individuals and nurture talent. The objectives of the conference align with our sustainability pillars focused on welfare, diversity and financial inclusion, so we are excited to be a part of this initiative, supporting one of our own, to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for widows,” she noted.
“This event is not just a gathering, it is a testament to the strength and unyielding spirit of womanhood. Empowerment begins with dignity, and dignity grows when women are given a voice, a skill, and a chance to dream again. We at digitXplus remain dedicated to walking the walk with the CBA Foundation.,” Popoola added.
Expressing gratitude to partners and supporters, Bode-Akinwande reaffirmed the Foundation’s mission to transform widowhood from a condition of deprivation to a journey of resilience.
“We envision a Nigeria where widowhood is not a sentence to poverty but a pathway to strength. When we lift a widow, we lift her children, her community, and our nation,” she said.
The conference also featured a dynamic plenary session moderated by media personality Jide Benson, with panelists including Etemore Glover (Impact Investors Foundation), Abiola Odanye (Market Ranch), and Damilola Hassan (Meristem Trustees Limited). The panel discussed policy advocacy, social investment, and sustainable support structures for widows’ welfare.
Supported by partners including FirstBank, Vyrus, Eko Hotel, Truecaller, Power Oil, Munch It, Minimie Noodles, Minimie Chinchin, Kellogg’s, and Colgate, the event underscored the private sector’s crucial role in driving inclusive social change.
The CBA Foundation, founded in 2015, has provided financial assistance, skills training, healthcare support, and educational sponsorships to thousands of widows and their dependents across Nigeria — a mission it pledges to sustain for years to come.