By Janet Sam
The Christian Care for Widows, Widowers, Orphans and the Aged (CCWA) has called on government agencies, corporate organizations, embassies, and well-meaning individuals to support its 2025 Annual Convention and Exhibition, scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Women Development Centre, Abuja.
Founded 33 years ago by Professor Deborah Ajakaiye, CCWA has impacted thousands of lives across Nigeria through skill empowerment, education, healthcare, and emotional support. After a seven-year hiatus due to insecurity and funding challenges, this year’s convention, themed “Embracing the Forgotten,” aims to reunite and celebrate over 125,000 widows and orphans under the organisation’s care.
Speaking at a press conference, Barrister Tina Ene Yao, Chairman of the Planning Committee, explained that past conventions spanned five days and included medical outreaches, skill acquisition sessions, solidarity walks, and exhibitions. However, due to financial constraints, this year’s event will be condensed into one day.
Barrister Tina lamented that CCWA has operated largely on individual donations, without substantial government or corporate support, despite its nationwide impact. She urged ministries, agencies, and private sector stakeholders to partner with the organization to empower widows and orphans. “These people need to be seen, supported, and celebrated. We appeal for government partnership to enable us to continue this humanitarian work,” she said.
Also speaking, Professor Apkezi Ogbuigwe, Chairman of the CCWA Team Forum, described Professor Ajakaiye as a visionary woman inspired by James 1:27, which emphasizes care for widows and orphans. She noted that the organization now has over 125,000 members, many victims of violence and displacement, adding: “The work of CCWA is urgent. We want to tell them they are not forgotten. We are embracing the forgotten and restoring hope to those who have lost everything.”
Mrs. Alexandra Nathan, National Coordinator of CCWA, said the organization’s programs focus on holistic support—physical, emotional, and spiritual—for its beneficiaries. Its seven core programs include skills training, counseling, and educational support. “A person can be supported financially and still be emotionally down. We ensure that body, mind, and soul are supported so that healing is complete,” she said.
Despite the absence of national conventions in recent years, Mrs. Nathan noted that zonal programs continued across Nigeria, training thousands of widows in various skills. She stressed that empowering vulnerable women and children strengthens society, warning, “The person you don’t help today may become tomorrow
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