The Smile for Widows and Orphans Outreach (SMILE Project) reached over 1,500 widows and orphans with food items, gifts and empowerment support at the 11th edition of the annual outreach.
Dr. Stephen O. Enike-Matthew, an award winning Nigerian billionaire, global entrepreneur with love for humanity and empowerment, who convened the Smile for Widows and Orphans Outreach, said the vision of the project is to ensure that every widow and orphan has something to celebrate with during Christmas.
“Beyond food and entertainment, we want to give people hope and help them understand that life’s unforeseen tragedies should not limit them from achieving their purpose,” he said.
Dr. Stephen O. Enike-Matthew, made arrangements for about 1,500 beneficiaries, and all the items provided were fully distributed. He noted that while logistics and crowd control remain key challenges, the event was peaceful and well organised.
“There was no frustration or inconvenience. Everything happened in peace. It always gets better,” he stated.
Mrs. Halima Enike Matthew, co-founder of the SMILE Project, expressed gratitude to God for the growth and impact of the initiative over the years.
“We started this project even before we got married, and after marriage we continued. Every year it keeps getting better. This year is better than last year, and next year will be better than this year,” she said.
Mrs. Matthew encouraged widows and orphans to remain hopeful despite the current economic challenges, assuring them of the organisation’s continued support.
“As long as SMILE is here, we will keep making you smile,” she added.
Dr. Mike Oladun, a global evangelist and PhD holder in Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation, described the SMILE Project as impactful and transformational.
“I have watched this programme grow from one level to another. The impact on widows, students, and the community has been enormous. It is becoming an international event.”
“What we are doing today is not just about food and clothes. It has a spiritual connotation. When you help widows and orphans, God recognises it,” he noted.
A beneficiary , Abughezi Nemere, testified to the personal impact of the convener, stating that his encouragement helped him overcome suicidal thoughts and rebuild his life through entrepreneurship.
“He made me believe in myself. Today, my branding work is visible and doing well,” Nemere said.
