- By Our Correspondent Abuja
A faith-based humanitarian group has issued a stark warning that Nigeria is leaving millions of its most vulnerable citizens behind, urging urgent, collective action to support widows, widowers, orphans and the aged.
At its 33rd anniversary and 2025 National Convention in Abuja, the Christian Care for Widows, Widowers, Aged and Orphans (CCWA) said the country must deepen its social, economic and emotional safety nets or risk worsening destitution among groups already battling abandonment and poverty.
Speaking on behalf of CCWA Founder and President, Prof. Deborah Ajakaiye, the Chairman of the CCWA Team Forum, Prof. Akpezi Ogbuigwe, said the organisation’s mission captured in the theme “Embracing the Forgotten in God’s Love” remains to spotlight the often-ignored suffering of vulnerable Nigerians.
“This convention is another moment to remind the nation of its duty every widow, every orphan, every aged citizen deserves dignity,” she said. “Adopt one, sponsor one, support one. Relief comes from individuals who choose not to look away.”
CCWA, which now operates 678 centres nationwide, provides support to over 125,000 beneficiaries, positioning it as one of the country’s largest networks for vulnerable groups.
Chairman of the convention and Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, Engr. Obadiah Simon, said the event underscored a truth many Nigerians avoid: “Whether you like it or not, all of us fall into one of these groups at some point. You may grow old.
You may lose a spouse. No one is exempt.”
He praised CCWA’s founder for sustaining the initiative for more than three decades, saying the turnout at the convention showed the scale of impact and the continued need.
Simon challenged philanthropists, officials and institutions to move beyond rhetoric.
“Every family has a widow, a widower or an orphan. Those in high office are not exempt. The least we can do is give our support and bring in others to do the same.”
CCWA’s National Coordinator, Alexandra Nathan, warned that neglecting vulnerable groups carries long-term social costs.
“These people need us more than we realise,” she said. “If we do not help them or empower them, the society pays the consequences.”
With poverty deepening across the country and social services stretched thin, CCWA leaders say the message is simple: Nigeria can no longer afford to leave its most fragile citizens behind.
