The IWF Lecture/Fundraising organised to raise people’s awareness and also raise funds for the upkeep of the HIV Positive Widows’ Children, the orphans and vulnerable children registered under the INRI WIDOWS FOUNDATION umbrella took place on Friday the 4th of August 2006 at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Awolowo Way, Ikeja.

Dignitaries from all walks of life attended to show their love, care and also openly identify with these children.

The Honourable Minister of State for Water Resources, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Salome Audu Jankada was the Special Guest of Honour. She enjoined all the people present to show sympathy and understanding in dealing with matters concerning the HIV/AIDS and the people living with HIV/AIDS.

The Executive Deputy Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Alhaji (Dr.) Hazeem Gbolarumi, who was the Chairman at the occasion appealed for assistance from all well-meaning individuals and groups towards the activities and programmes of the IWF.

Other dignitaries who commended the efforts of the Foundation and appealed for caution so as to reduce the spread of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic include – The Chief of the Air Staff – Air Marshall Paul Dike, who was represented by Group Captain D.A. Makun, the Air Officer commanding Logistics, NAF Air Commodore Chris Marizu was represented by Wing Commander A. O. Babalola.

Mrs. Laide Oyenuga represented the CEO – Lagos State Aids Control Agency, Mr. Ayo Dada came in for Prof. Morris Iwu – the INEC Chairman, Dr. Ahan Nese represented the Comptroller General Nigerian Prison Service, while Mrs Lami Smith represented Prof. babtunde Osotimehin, the Chairman, National Action Committee on Aids.

The Children entertained the guest with short plays on the HIV/AIDS scourge, Child Abuse and also read poems and also performed beautiful choreographic displays.

The event ended at about 4pm.

---

REPORTS ON THE 7th APRIL: IWF SEMINAR/FUNDRAISING FOR IWF HIV POSITIVE WIDOWS' ESTATE

This programme was organizes to raise fuds for building of houses to provide accommodation for the HIV Positive Widows, Widows' Children, Orphans and the Vulnerable Children registered with the foundation.

The days event was a huge success as important dignitaries from all works of life were in attendance.

From Abuja, Senator Iyabo Anisulowo was in attendance, Senator Ibikunle Amosun was ably represented. The Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. M. L. Agwai was ably represented by Major Gen. J. O. Adesunloye the General Officer Commanding 81 Division on Nigerian Army.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health Dr. Tola Kasali was represented by Dr. Williams Olatokunbo, The Education Commissioner Dr. Leke Pitan was represented by Mr. P. O. Ogunbade. The Director General of NAFDAC Prof. Dora Akinyili was represented by Mrs. Ogochukwu Mainasara. Otunba Deji Doherty was in attendance. The Consul General, Chinese Embassy Lagos; Mr. Yuan Wenjin represented the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria. Ambassador Segun Olusola of African Refugees Foundation was in attendance.

Other dignitaries are: Hon. Chief Toun Adediran, Chief (Mrs.) Omolara Ogundare. Mr Bode Fanimo representing the Executive Deputy Governor of Lagos State Otunba Femi Pedro.

Speaking at the ceremony Role Model Wale Oyewole appealed to all to come to the aid of the HIV Positive and their Children through generous donations to the IWF. Toeeb Abiodun, another Widow's son also informed the gathering of the wonderful deeds of the IWF in areas of Education, Healthcare, Empowerment and Welfare Packages.

The President of IWF, Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele (JP) implored all to see wealth not in terms of the amount of money they have in Banks, the number of housed built, but in terms of services rendered to humanity.

On the 13th of April, 2006, the Widows, the Widows' Children, the Orphanss and the Vulnerable Children were given Easter Welfare Package by the INRI WIDOWS FOUNDATION. Each collected a Live Chicken and Bags of Rice. Apart from this, the beneficiaries were admonished to be of assistance to each other in all that they do. The Widows were asked to show love, care and be concerned about the problems and the future of their Children.

The 14th of April, 2006 was a day specially set aside by the IWF under the leadership of the President/Founder of INRI WIDOWS FOUNDATION - Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele (JP) to host the Children (Widows' Children, Orphans and the Vulnerable Children) even their mothers to a Breakfast Get Together. It was an occassion for the IWF President to play entirely the fatherly role expected of him by the children. Over 500 Children were in attendance.

Clothing materials were also presented to the Children and even some of the Widows.

The IWF Family comprising the Widows, the Widows' Children, the Orphans, the Vulnerable Children and the IWF management were at Eko Tourist Beach Resort Akodo in the Ibeju Lekki L. G. A. of Lagos State for the Easter Picnic in antimation of the Easter Packages for them.

The Children were so impressed of the 12th & 14th April Programmes and thus regarded the 17th April Beach experience as something worthwhile from the HIV Positive ones among them were in attendance. Over 1800 people were at the Beach under the IWF Umbrella.

The IWF as a formidable welfare services organization shall always improve in its intervention activities to the advantages of its Members, since IWF is one big happy family.