As Manya Mata Initiative empowers widows
By Roseline Okafor, Lafia
The First Lady of Nasarawa State, Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi Sule, has warned politicians against engaging in backbiting and divisive politics, saying such practices could undermine unity and development.
She spoke on Sunday at Gudi during an empowerment programme organised by the Manya Mata Initiative, which distributed cash grants and Ankara wrappers to hundreds of widows.
According to the First Lady, political leaders should prioritise the welfare of citizens and use their positions to empower vulnerable people.
“Politics of backbiting will not take us anywhere. What our people need now is unity, support for one another, and leaders who speak with integrity,” she said.
She urged women to remain prayerful while supporting initiatives and government programmes focused on poverty reduction, healthcare and education.
The First Lady’s message was echoed by speakers at the event, who praised the Manya Mata Initiative for extending support to widows in Gudi and surrounding communities.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Rebecca Kpaji; Hussaina Abdullahi Sule; and Hon. Saidu Gudi, who represents Uke/Karshi State Constituency, commended the initiative.
They appealed to other organisations and well-meaning individuals to replicate the gesture by supporting vulnerable residents across the state.
Also speaking, community leader Khalid Yusuf Sule, popularly known as Sarkin Yakin Gudi, highlighted what he described as various development projects undertaken in Gudi since the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule.
He mentioned a primary health centre, general hospital, faculty of engineering, modern market and township roads among projects he said had benefited the community.
Khalid Yusuf subsequently urged Gudi residents to support the Governor’s bid in the 2027 senatorial election.
The Councillor representing Gudi Electoral Ward, Hon. Haruna Ibrahim, also praised the empowerment programme and called for peaceful political engagement ahead of future elections.
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Earlier, the Coordinator of the Manya Mata Initiative, Rabi Ibrahim Mai Abinci, explained that the organisation was established to ensure widows were not neglected.
“We started Manya Mata to ensure no widow is forgotten. Today in Gudi, we are giving cash and wrappers, but more importantly, we are giving hope,” she said.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the organisers, saying the cash grants would assist them in meeting their immediate needs and supporting their businesses.