More than 110 widows across Lagos State have received a festive boost from His Heavenly Light Ministry's Widows Support programme, just in time for Christmas celebrations. The initiative distributed essential food items and announced significant financial support, marking the launch of its third empowerment phase.
Food and Funds for Festive Cheer
The event, held on 22 December 2025, saw beneficiaries go home with packages containing rice, chicken, bread, and drinks. However, the support extended beyond seasonal palliatives. The programme's founder, Dr. Cecilia Onitiri, revealed that this gathering signified the start of the third phase of a comprehensive empowerment scheme focused on providing financial capital and livelihood support.
Dr. Onitiri explained a strategic shift in the ministry's approach. "We decided not to give them palliatives again," she stated. "We would save the money for those who need help to take care of their children’s education." She disclosed that the ministry has invested approximately N7 million across the three empowerment programmes organised so far.
Expanding Grants and Encouraging Enterprise
In a significant update, Dr. Onitiri announced plans to increase the financial grants given to the widows. "We are planning to add N15,000 to the N35,000 that we give them to make it N50,000," she said. To encourage diligence and active use of the funds, the ministry is introducing a competitive element. Widows who can successfully invest and rotate the capital quickly within their groups could earn additional rewards, like a bag of rice at year's end.
This group-based system, however, has faced challenges. Dr. Onitiri expressed regret over an incident where a beneficiary entrusted with money to use for three months before passing it on disappeared with the funds. Pastor Innocent Omaga addressed this, urging widows to foster closer ties within their groups for better accountability.
Success Stories and Practical Advice
The programme has already yielded tangible success stories. Mrs. Alice Ogaga (34 years), used a loan to start a groundnut business, generating a good profit. "I thank Dr Onitiri for the money. May God continue to bless her ministry," she said.
Another beneficiary, 38-year-old Adaeze Precious, plans to venture into poultry farming, expressing confidence that "because it is church money, it cannot disappear. It will bring more profit."
Offering guidance for such ventures, Mrs. Enitan Onitiri encouraged the women to consider productive businesses like organic poultry farming. She highlighted the use of local herbs like saint leaf and pawpaw leaf for poultry care as a sustainable and cost-effective method.
The event underscored a move from temporary aid to sustainable economic empowerment, providing Lagos widows with both resources and knowledge to build a more secure future for themselves and their families.
