The executive chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, Jerry Adams, has empowered 450 widows in the state with N100,000 each.

The widows were also each given a bag of rice and wrapper, in celebration of the yuletide.

Speaking during the presentation of the items in Kafanchan, Mr Adams said that the initiative was inspired largely by his upbringing, having been raised by a widowed mother.

“My focus on widows today is deeply personal. I lost my dad over 45 years ago, and I witnessed firsthand what my mother went through after losing my dad.

“I saw the resilience it took for her to raise the family in spite of the odds, and that experience shaped my commitment to ensuring that widows are not forgotten but empowered.

“We must also acknowledge that the insecurity which bedevilled Kaduna in past years took away the breadwinners of many families, creating a painful rise in the number of widows and orphans across our communities,” he said.

He, however, applauded President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for their efforts at restoring hope and fostering relative peace in the state and the country at large.

“Today we thank God that peace, to a large extent, is being experienced throughout the state.

“This progress cannot be unconnected from the deliberate peace policies of Governor Uba Sani, whose leadership continues to prioritise dialogue, inclusion and healing.

“Furthermore, this initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which seeks to restore dignity and provide opportunities to the underserved,” he added.

In her remarks, the deputy governor of Kaduna State, Hadiza Balarabe, commended Mr Adams for reaching out to the vulnerable and underserved women in this season of love.

“This gathering is not just an event; it is a reflection of our shared values of compassion, unity and responsibility to one another, especially in a season that reminds us of the true meaning of love,” she said.

According to her, the empowerment was not just about handing out palliatives but about igniting a movement of restoration and dignity.

Also speaking, Oghogho Musa and Abigail Katung, wives of the Minister of Defence and Sunday Katung, respectively, said that women remain the bedrock of society, nurturing families and shaping societal values.

They encouraged the beneficiaries to stand together, uplift one another, and drive positive transformation in their communities.

Reacting to the gesture, two of the beneficiaries, Grace Victor and Rhoda Ibrahim, who spoke with journalists, expressed gratitude to the revenue boss for making them feel seen and valued.

They prayed for God to replenish his pockets and grant him the strength to do more for the downtrodden.

 (NAN)