NOVEMBER 2019
2019 ANNUAL WIDOWS DAY OF JOY
The 2019 Widows Day of Joy took place on Thursday, 28th November at the Hall of The International Church of Christ, 16/18 Akanbi Onitiri Road, Off Eric Moore Road, Surulere, Lagos. A total of One thousand, six hundred and fifty-eight (1658) Roses registered widows received different gift items as follows: 12.5kg bag of Rice, Georges / Ankara wrappers, peak milk, biscuits, Loaves of bread, etc. Rice were also given to about three hundred unregistered women who claimed to be widows and had gathered for the event. Products of the Skills Acquisition Training of members were on display and included: Beautiful beaded and wireworks trinkets sets, Dish washing liquid soap, Multipurpose Liquid soap, Turbans, Hand wash, Petroleum jelly, etc.
The Coordinator of The Roses, Mrs. Regina Ezenwa, FPSN introduced the Vision & Mission of the ministry to show God's Love to the hurting and vulnerable in practical ways with a special focus on widows and youths irrespective of religion. She stressed that over 1,600 widows have benefited from The Roses programs on a regular basis, over 700 accessed Heathcare, over 400 trained in a skill, over 7,000 youths benefited from Seminars and over 14 students from full tertiary Education Scholarships.
Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Governor of Lagos State as Special Guest of Honour, was ably represented by Mrs. Arinola Ajose, wife of former Head of Service, Lagos State. She commended the efforts of the ministry towards building generations of youths and families as well as ensuring that God’s love, joy and peace are propagated through God’s word. She enjoined vulnerable widows to avail themselves of the opportunities offered by The Roses for regular health checks in order to be able to tackle the increasing health challenges of women such as heart disease, breast cancer, ovarian and cervical cancer, gynaecological and pregnancy issues, transmitted diseases, depression and anxiety, amongst others. She reinterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government towards ensuring that all issues affecting women are frontally tackled to make life comfortable for women and children and indeed all residents.
The Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Dave Ifezulike, Chairman of Nestle Plc, who came with his beautiful and diligent wife Rose, gave a very encouraging talk to the Ministry and widows, extolling The Roses Ministry for obeying Christ's commands in Matthew 25:35-36. He prayed that God will reward her labour of love, compassion and affection to the hungry, thirsty, stranger and vulnerable widows, students, sick and prisoners. He implored all to join hands with The Roses as it is the responsibilty of all to care for those who have deep needs which cannot be met by the church or government alone.
Many other dignitaries who were present to witness this event were thrilled by different cultural dance displays by the widows.
An outstanding testimony of extreme hopelessness changed to immense hope, was shared by Miss Margret Cyril, a recipient of The Roses scholarship from the Scheme: Educate one child per vulnerable widow. She graduated with a First Class Degree, held leadership positions in school and is currently serving the nation in her NYSC.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Roses, Apostle Alex Bamgbola, also the Chairman of CAN, Lagos State, acknowledged the invitees and management team of the Ministry for a well organized outing inspite of the last minute disappointments with the usual venue.
