One Hundred and Fifty Five Widows across the thirty one Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State smiled home with Two Hundred Thousand Naira each as empowerment package courtesy, Governor Udom Emmanuel and Wife Martha.

Addressing the Women at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Uyo, Governor Emmanuel said the gesture was part of his fulfillment of a lifetime passion to assist the vulnerable members of the society.

He said the package was a seed which should be utilized to grow their businesses and improve their well-being and used the occasion to advise the widows not to be downcast in their plight but to trust God for succour.

The governor urged them to devote their time to prayers rather than lament over their circumstance adding that God is the comforter of the poor and helpless.

He said that the gesture is personal and would be quarterly disbursed until all the widows are touched and prayed God to multiply the funds and give them success in their endeavours.

The Women Affairs Commissioner, Dr Gloria Edet expressed appreciation to the Governor and wife Martha, for the gesture and prayed God to bless them.

She advised the Women to invest in what would yield better profit to sustain them and their children