Widows in Nasarawa Get Relief As Calls Grow For Government Support
Calls are mounting for stronger government backing of charities working with vulnerable families, as economic hardship deepens across Nigeria.
The appeal came on Saturday during the third-quarter widows’ empowerment programme organised by the Zion Gate Orphanage and Charity Foundation in collaboration with Princess Kaima Foundation in Maraba, Nasarawa State. 
Over a hundred and fifty widows received food items, children’s clothing, household materials and money for transport to ease their burdens, while supporters of the foundation were recognised with awards.
The charity’s founder, Dr Princess Kaima, said her work with widows and orphans was inspired by her survival of multiple near-fatal accidents.
In 2011, she was the only survivor of a road crash that killed 17 people. “I saw a vision that I should carry out these assignments when I recovered,” she said. “Since I began, I have not received any grant or support from government. Relatives and close friends have been my main source of funding.”
The foundation also runs an orphanage, where children are enrolled in private schools at a cost of at least ₦60,000 per term.
Dr Kaima said the goal was to give them strong support in education, health and nutrition “so the children feel like first-class citizens, not orphans.”
She added that land disputes and scarce resources continue to make housing and long-term sustainability difficult.
Some widows praised the foundation’s interventions. Ladi Francis said the support often arrived “at critical moments,” while Jumai Sunday said unlike other groups that “commercialise donations,” Zion Gate provided aid without conditions.
Local authorities acknowledged the foundation’s efforts. Dr. Chukwu Chime, Chairman of the Chinese Africa Investment Limited, pledged support whenever needed and highlighted available grant opportunities.
He also called for stronger collaboration to build a better country.
Lydia Mark Auta, Director of Social Services at Karu Local Government, said that while federal initiatives exist, “more can be done,” adding that more individuals should emulate Dr. Princess Drive.
Civil Society voices also pressed for broader reforms. Hon Charles Anike, National President of the Eastern Union, whose organisation had earlier given the convener and award for exemplary leadership, said government policies should be strengthened to better secure the welfare of vulnerable families.
