In a renewed push to address the social and economic vulnerabilities faced by widows in Nigeria, the Chinwe-Bode Akinwande (CBA) Foundation will host a landmark conference themed “Empowering Widows in Nigeria: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Vulnerability.” The event is scheduled for October 9, 2025, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

The forthcoming gathering seeks to amplify conversations around the plight of widows, particularly those from underprivileged and marginalised communities, while exploring practical pathways to empowerment through initiatives such as skill acquisition, microfinance, and advocacy.

According to the foundation, the conference will bring together key stakeholders from civil society, government agencies, the private sector, and academia to exchange ideas, share best practices, and develop actionable policy recommendations that promote inclusion and social protection for widows.

Founder of the CBA Foundation, Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, emphasized the urgency of the initiative, noting that widows often face exploitation and neglect due to systemic inequalities.

“Widows are often exploited, largely because they are vulnerable. Our mission is to empower them through strategic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives, amplifying their voices and strengthening their positions in society. With this conference, we are creating a platform for stakeholders to share their experiences on these issues, proffer solutions to them and drive everyone to commit to implementing the solutions.”

The one-day event will feature a keynote address by Amina Oyagbola, Founder of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), and a plenary session moderated by Hansatu Adegbite, Executive Director of Women in Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ). Participants will also engage in interactive sessions, hear inspiring stories from beneficiaries, and explore ways to extend sustainable support to widows nationwide.

Since its inception in 2015, the CBA Foundation—a registered not-for-profit organisation—has reached more than 10,000 widows through empowerment and capacity-building programmes. It has also provided health interventions, business start-up support, food aid, and counselling to over 17,000 widows, while sponsoring over 100 underprivileged children in school and vocational training.

The 2025 conference, according to the organisers, represents another crucial step in sustaining nationwide awareness and coordinated action to protect, empower, and uplift widows across Nigeria.