…..as widows you can remarry, but don’t break another woman’s home says Mrs. Tinu Odugbemi
By Omolara Akintoye
Caption from left : (fifth) Executive Director Head High International Organisation Pastor Mrs. Tinu Odugbemi with other members of the high table
Head High International Organisation (HHIO), a non- governmental organisation that champions and defends the cause of the vulnerable especially women, widows, single parents, orphans and children on the street has organised valentine love feast to empower widows in Lagos.
The event which had over 200 widows in attendance took place at Ostra Hall & Hotel Ikeja.
Speaking during the programme, the Convener of the event and Executive Director HHIO, Pastor Mrs. Tinu Odugbemi said the event is held annually and added that this year’s programme which came under the theme ‘Love Feast for Widows’ is the 21st in its series.
Mrs. Olayide Johnson sharing her own experience on the topic : Can I Remarry?
It was an experience sharing for widows on the topic “Can I Remarry”?
In her contribution, Mrs. Olayide Johnson, an Entrepreneur and a widow of 16years said after she lost her husband, there were opportunities for her to remarry, but she made up her mind to focus on her children rather than being distracted.
Her words, “My focus then was my children and I’m happy to say today that God has helped me”.
Mrs. Olayide therefore urged other widows not to be distracted. “Don’t get carried away, and don’t get so depressed. Also be ready to add value to yourself and empower yourself with skills” said Mrs. Johnson, the Producer of the popular ‘Kulikuli Alata Sue Sue’ which is making wave in Nigeria and overseas.
Cross section of some of the women
“Yes, you can remarry, but you must weigh the options, if it will affect your children negatively, don’t remarry. Amidst your pain, be vigilant, your health is very important so as to take care of your children, God is your husband” said Mrs. Sade Adelusi, a widow of 18years.
Another widow, Mrs. Bodunde said: “as a widow, you can remarry, but the question is who are you getting married to? Remember that it is only God who can help you”.
Also speaking on the topic, Mrs. Tinu Odugbemi said it is based on many conditions.
“If you want to remarry, go ahead but don’t break another person’s home. Yes, God permits you to remarry but be careful, your values don’t have to change” Mrs. Odugbemi advised.
Odugbemi also warned that most widows who remarry don’t end up having a good marriage, because most times their children are affected negatively.
While urging widows to look at the good sides of widowhood, she said: “don’t remarry because you want a financier, empower yourself with skills to take care of your children and look unto your Maker who is your best husband”.
Other side attractions at the event include Talent hunt showcase, fashion parade and the cutting of the Valentine Cake.
Aside the Valentine Programme for widows, other programmes of Head High Iinternational Organisation include : Advocacy/ Public Enlightenment, Quarterly Time Out with Widows, Yearly Congress for Widows, Micro Finance and Skill Acquisition Schemes, Special Programmes/Retreats for Women, Widows and Children, Collaboration with Lawyer’s for legal Aid and Mediation among others.
