On 4th of November, 2021, Stefanos Foundation  visited widows; victims of the Fulani killings at the Miango, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.


Since 2016, the number of widows due to Fulani Militia attack in Miango has steadily increased. Currently, there are 356 on the lists of the organisation.


Through the support of Christian Freedom International (CFI), Stefanos Foundation has been empowering the women through its Micro-enterprise program. 


This widows’ empowerment scheme provides micro funds to enable each  widow and encourage them to invest into some petty trading which will provide a steady income for the women, empowering them to take care of their family. 


17 women have benefitted from the widows’ project so far. Today, 43 others were added to the project; they receive their own funds next week. 


The Stefanos Foundation worked through a Community person to mobilise the widows. Mr. Barri Gastor told Stefanos about the widows’ need for food, school fees and shelter. He said, most of them lost their houses due to the incessant attacks.

 

Mrs Hazel Goji, a 64 year old widow who lost her husband at the age of 24 shared how difficult life was for her and her 5 children after the passing on of her husband. 


She narrated her ordeal; how she was forced to leave her husbands family house with her 3 months old pregnancy and move to Jos with her 5 children to earn a living. Mrs. Goji encouraged the other widows not to give up as God will see them through just as he had also seen her through all these years. 


Mrs. Goji shared how she now has grand children and lived in her own house which she nicknamed 'Jesus House'. 


The women expressed their appreciation to her for the encouragement, shared how that has given them hope to live on. 


Grace Joshua a beneficiary from Mai - yanga village in Miango of Bassa LGA also shared how life was difficult after her husbands demise but how that she became hopeful as a result of the Micro - enterprise. 


She said that she has been able to expand her petty shop to sell more items now. 

She shared how she was able to save a percentage of the interest in a piggybank, feed on another, and use what was left to expand the shop monthly. Unfortunately, on  2nd of September 2021, during the late hours of the evening, her village was attacked again while she was at the shop but Mrs Grace was able to run to safety with her piggybank. 


Though her shop was raided and a lot of items carted, she was able to continue her business because she had saved quite a substantial amount in her piggybank. 


Indeed, she said this funds have been a blessing to her and made her very disciplined. 


Mrs Grace advised other women who will be accessing funds next week, to be diligent with it and avoid unnecessary spending in order for them to yield better results. 


Stefanos Foundation appreciates its partner, Christian Freedom International for the support they gave to help achieve the program.