The Rotary Club of Jos Metro has empowered some widows with funds to grow their small businesses and make them self-reliant.
The empowerment programme which took place on Saturday evening in Jos was part of the activities for the investiture of the club new President, Mr James Wuanor.
Wuanor stated that the gesture was in line with the tenets of Rotary to positively impact the lives of the less-privileged in the society.
The new president said that the widows who were into different petty businesses, were randomly selected from different locations in Jos.
He pointed out that the empowerment programme would be in phases and would be extended to other vulnerable groups like the orphans.
“Apart from the empowerment programme, we will organise a free medical outreach for those who cannot afford quality medical care.
“We will also identify orphans and pay their school fees for at least a year.
“We intend to also carry out campaigns on peace building and conflict resolutions, because without peace, all that we desire to achieve will remain a mirage.
“We wish to make an impact on the environment by organising a tree planting campaign to help in the protection of the environment,” he said.
Wuanor said that the club would also mobilise people to donate blood in order to save lives.
The president called on members of the club to dedicate their time, talents and treasures to put smiles on the faces of the less-privileged.
In her remarks, the outgoing president of the club, Jennifer Laha, said that the unity exhibited in the year that just ended should not cease.
Laha urged members to extend the support and cooperation she enjoyed to the incoming president and his team.
She said, “Imagine all the possible things that rotary can do to help humanity and what I always preach is that one person cannot do it alone because of the multiple problems and challenges in the world.
“Let’s put our hands together and see how we can bring our talents, our treasures and our time so that we will continue to help the vulnerable members of the society.”
Past District Governor of District 9125, Tolu Omatsola, urged members of the public who wish to impact lives to join Rotary.
Highlight of the event featured a fund raising for the execution of the project as well as an induction of new members. (NAN