By Susan Adewole

The Ondo State Government has extended its welfare intervention programme to widows in Idanre Local Government Area, providing beneficiaries with free healthcare services, health education and financial assistance.

The initiative, organised by the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, was held at the Better Life Hall, Odode, Idanre, where widows from the community received medical attention and other forms of support.

As part of the programme, 1,000 widows across the state are expected to receive a grant of N20,000 each to help cushion the economic challenges confronting them.

The intervention also featured medical checks, health education and interactive sessions aimed at addressing health, livelihood and other social challenges affecting widows.

Speaking during the programme, one of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the state government, describing the intervention as timely and helpful, particularly in view of the economic difficulties faced by many widows.

The Olori of Atosin, Idanre, Queen Beatrice Ogunlowo, also commended the government for extending the initiative to the community, describing it as a welcome development that would improve the wellbeing of widows.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Bosede Osamaye, explained that the programme was designed to provide comprehensive support to widows by combining healthcare intervention with economic assistance.

Osamaye appreciated the support of the Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and his wife, Mrs Oluwaseun Esther Aiyedatiwa, towards the initiative.

The Idanre outreach is the second phase of the programme after its commencement in Oka on Monday.

The state government is expected to extend the intervention to Okitipupa as part of efforts to reach more widows across Ondo State.