By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has announced the revival of the Widowhood Centre in Mangu, where more than 100 widows graduated from vocational training programmes last year, while an additional 500 women have acquired various livelihood skills through the initiative.
The governor also disclosed that the state government recently paid its counterpart funding for a World Bank-supported programme that will provide vocational and economic empowerment training to 90,000 women across Plateau State.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting widows, empowering women, and creating economic opportunities for young people as part of its broader agenda to support vulnerable groups.
Governor Mutfwang made the disclosure on Sunday during a worship and Widows’ Remembrance Service at COCIN Gyel, Bukuru, where he urged Christians across the state to promote unity within the Church, describing it as the foundation for lasting peace and harmony in Plateau State.
“The unity of Plateau State depends on the Church. If the Church takes the lead, irrespective of tribe or background, the people of Plateau will come together as one family because none of us can stand alone; we need one another,” he said.
The governor praised the resilience, sacrifices, and contributions of widows, noting that many successful individuals owe their achievements to the dedication of women who persevered despite difficult circumstances.
Drawing from his personal experiences, he encouraged citizens never to despise humble beginnings, stressing that hard work and determination can shape great destinies.
“Our support for widows is government policy. We cannot ignore women, especially widows who are genuinely in need. They deserve dignity, empowerment, and opportunities to rebuild their lives,” he stated.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized that the responsibility of caring for widows should not rest solely on government and the Church, insisting that families have the primary obligation to support bereaved women and elderly parents.
He condemned the practice of relatives dispossessing widows of their late husbands’ property and urged surviving spouses to also care for the parents of their deceased partners whenever possible.
As part of the government’s support, the governor announced a donation of N10 million to assist widows in the church.
He also invited 50 youths from the congregation with viable business ideas to submit their proposals through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for assessment, assuring them that successful applicants would receive support to establish sustainable businesses.
The governor further appealed to residents to strengthen collaboration with security agencies by providing credible intelligence capable of preventing criminal activities.
“When you see something, say something. Security depends on intelligence. Together, we can keep Plateau safe and continue on the path of peace and progress,” he urged.
Earlier in his sermon titled “A Defender of Widows,” Associate Pastor Nehemiah Mafiyai, speaking from Psalm 68:5 and 2 Kings 4:1–7, described God as the protector of widows and the father of the fatherless.
The cleric distinguished between widows who have family support and those the Bible describes as “widows indeed.”
He challenged families, the Church, and society to protect and care for widows, stressing that neglecting them contradicts biblical teachings.
He also reminded worshippers that financial hardship should never be interpreted as a sign of God’s disfavor.
In his remarks, Kefas Ropshik, popularly known as Kefiano, commended COCIN Gyel for institutionalising a special annual service to honour widows, describing the initiative as a ministry that reflects God’s compassion for the vulnerable.
The event featured goodwill messages, special prayers for widows and the state, and other activities marking the remembrance service.
