JOYFUL MOMENT AS CCWA HOLDS HER 2011 ANNUAL CONVENTION It was a moment of joy and happiness at the National Women Development Center, Abuja on 5th of November, 2011 as widows, widowers, the aged, orphans and several dignitaries from the six geo-political zones of the country gathered for the 2011 Annual Convention of Christian Care for Widows, Widowers, the Aged and Orphans (CCWA). The Convention which was titled “Re-Discovering the Treasures in You” featured some several activities including: awareness rally, lighting of candle, special presentations, testimonies, speeches etc. The Founder/President of the organization, Prof. Deborah Ajakaiye, in her opening address thanked God on behalf of the organization for another year to gather all her members from 17 Districts across 12 States of the nation. She further explained the history, vision, mission and activities of the organization, which are geared towards helping the less privilege in the society to be self-reliant. The keynote speaker Mr. David Fadairo (NNPC), addressed the participants on the theme “Re-discovering the treasures in you”. He stated that the objective of his speech was to assist the widows, widowers and orphans in rediscovering their God given talents, which have been buried due to the prevailing circumstances around them. Other speakers which include Dr. Mrs. Comfort Olayiwole (UN Staff/ CCWA FCT District Coordinator), Dr. Francis Kashimawo (CAPRO/CCWA Member of the Broad of Trustees), Mrs. Olu Verheijen (Shell Nigeria), and Pastor Silas Chankadda (NNPC) also addressed several other issues regarding the lifestyle of the widows, widowers, the aged and orphans in the society, and also solicited for kind support of both individual and government agencies to assist in catering for the widows and orphans in the society. The spirit of the widows and orphans were lifted as several financial and material pledges were announced, including donations from dignitaries present as well as those who were not able to grace the occasion. The occasion was attended by over 500 participants including the Chairman of the Occasion, Engr. Andy Yakubu, Mrs. Vivian Oniwon, Mr. and Mrs. Danladi Verheijen, Government functionaries, Village Heads, Priests from various denominations (Anglican, Catholic, ECWA etc.) among others.