By Monday Danladi
Over 100 widows, orphans and other vulnerable persons have received food items and other relief materials from the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA), Bauchi State Chapter, in partnership with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Bauchi State, Pastor Dr. Ambassador Zaka Luka Magaji, to commemorate the 2026 International Widows Day.
The programme also coincided with a one-day prayer rally and empowerment programme for widows and orphans.
The event, held in Bauchi on Sunday, brought together religious leaders, community stakeholders, women groups, youths and beneficiaries in a demonstration of faith, compassion and commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society.
As part of activities marking the occasion, selected widows and orphans received empowerment support, including food grains, financial assistance and other relief materials aimed at easing economic hardship and improving their living conditions.
International Widows Day, observed annually on June 23, serves as a global reminder of the challenges faced by millions of widows worldwide, including poverty, discrimination, social exclusion and limited access to economic opportunities.
The commemoration sought to amplify the voices of widows and encourage governments, institutions and communities to provide greater support and protection for widows and their families.
Speaking at the event, the NOCRELA leader in Bauchi State, Dr. Mrs. Mercy John, said caring for widows and orphans is not only a humanitarian responsibility but also a biblical mandate and moral obligation that reflects the values of love, justice and compassion.
She stated that the organisation remains committed to providing succour to vulnerable people, particularly the less privileged, as part of its evangelisation mission.
The prayer rally featured intercessory prayers for peace, unity, good governance, economic recovery and the well-being of families in Bauchi State and Nigeria. Special prayers were also offered for widows and orphans facing social and economic challenges.
Participants were encouraged to remain steadfast in faith and hopeful despite life’s difficulties. They were reminded that they are valued members of society whose dignity and contributions must be recognised and protected.
NOCRELA also called on government agencies, development partners, faith-based organisations, philanthropists and community leaders to strengthen initiatives that promote the welfare, education, healthcare, empowerment and economic inclusion of widows and orphans.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for vulnerable groups and implementing programmes that foster social cohesion, human dignity and community development across Bauchi State and Northern Nigeria.
NOCRELA expressed appreciation to its partners, volunteers, donors and supporters whose contributions made the outreach successful, noting that collective action remains essential in building a society where no widow or orphan is left behind.
As the world marks International Widows Day, the organisation urged citizens to extend kindness, support and opportunities to widows and orphans within their communities to ensure they live with dignity, hope and a sense of belonging.
The group also prayed for God’s continued grace, protection and provision for widows and orphans and encouraged them to remain strong in faith as they navigate life’s challenges.
The Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA) is a faith-based organisation dedicated to promoting peace, unity, humanitarian service, community development and the welfare of vulnerable populations across Northern Nigeria through advocacy, dialogue and outreach programmes.
