Christy Anyanwu
Seventeen thousand widows in Osun State were recently celebrated at the 12th widows’ edition organized by the Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Matthew Ashimolowo and his wife Yemisi. The widows who hail from Isokan, Ikire, Osogbo, Apomu, Ikoyi, Osogbo, Modakeke, Ile-Ife and Ode-Omu as early as 6.30 am gathered at the gate entrance of Kings University, Ode-Omu venue of the programe.
The event, which usually takes place first Saturday in January attracted dignitaries from all walks of life. They included traditional rulers, government officials and clerics who came to felicitate with the organizers and assisted in giving out gift items to the widows.
Ashimolowo stated that they do not discriminate on the ground of religion because they are fulfilling the mandate of Jesus to take care of the widows and the fatherless. He noted that 99 percent of the women are illiterates and about 63 percent Muslims:
“There is a lot of need in the country. What we are doing is not much: Food, drink, new clothes for each one of them and some money for the 17,000 of them. I believe if every Nigerian whom God has blessed one way or the other can do something it will begin to bring relief to our people.”
Prophet S.K Abiara praised the cleric for a great job: “People who have money and government should emulate such magnanimous act of giving and caring for the widows.”
Oba Dario Jacob Olutayo, the Olasole of Lasole, said: “We thank God for Ashimolowo. He is one among thousands. You can see the crowd; the widows are happy and dancing as they receive their gifts.
And every widow present is going with the gift, money and food. I pray that God Almighty will continue to bless him. Also, look at the university; he is trying to develop the society.”
Oluyinka Shuaibu, said: “We came here yesterday so as to meet up with the 9.0clock time they gave us. God will bless Ashimolowo, his wife and children. I am putting on the cloth I got from this event last year.”