Widow empowers students in Lagos, inaugurates foundation in husband’s memory

Mrs Hilda Sasere, a Medical Social Worker at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), has inaugurated the Sasere Olukayode Humanitarian Initiative (SOHI) in memory of her late husband.

Sasere, who unveiled the foundation at her late husband’s one year remembrance at the Chapel of Transfiguration at LUTH, Idi Araba on Wednesday, empowered some indigent secondary school students.

She said Mr Sasere, a retired Assistant Director of Finance in LUTH, was passionate about helping women, children and less privileged before his passing on Feb. 12, 2024.

The founder, who noted that the initiative was to support women and children in the society, said that it would outlive her and their children.

She said that the support would include helping less-privileged women and children to access medical treatment, education, as well as rehabilitation of victims of drug abuse, domestic violence among others.

The widow said that four identified indigent secondary students got a cash grant of N50, 000 each at the official inauguration of the initiative.

Sasere, who recounted events and last moments of her last husband before passing, appreciated friends and families for all the support.

The widow said: “I am grateful for the kind of person he was and for the impact made.

“I am thankful for how well he lived, not how long; how impactful his life was and how much of good memories we have to share after his demise.

“Today’s launch is just to make it official.

“He has been a very generous man. We have a family tradition whereby every year, we go out to support children, widows and women and give to under privileged in the social.

“I just thought it wise to have it on legacy, that is the only thing I know can do for him. This is just to give it a face and make it more formal today that he is being remembered after a year.”

She urged everyone to improve the lives of children, women, widows and less privileged in the society.

“We need support, any well meaning person that has the heart of kindness is welcome to come and collaborate with us or even partner with us,” she said.

In his keynote address, Mr Oluwafemi Silas, the Executive Director, Stampout Drug Abuse Initiative, said that SOHI was built on the belief that every child and every woman deserves a life of dignity, opportunity, and hope.

Silas, who is also a member, Nigeria Association of Social Workers and member, International Society of Substance Use Professionals, said that women and children were facing huge challenges.

“The journey to this moment has been one of passion, determination, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference which was started by our beloved brother before he departed this world to be with the Lord.

“We recognise that around the world, and even within our communities, women and children continue to face immense challenges—poverty, violence, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare, just to name a few.

“These barriers do not just affect individuals; they impact families, societies, and future generations.

“Sasere Olukayode Humanitarian Initiative was born out of the need to create lasting change by the founder Mrs Hilda Sasere to keep the vision of her husband alive,” he said.

According to him, the mission is to empower women with the tools they need to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

He said that it was also to provide children with the care, education, and protection they deserved to grow into their full potential.

Silas added: “We believe that when women and children thrive, communities flourish.

“Our vision is to build a world where no child is deprived of their right to education, no woman is denied the opportunity to succeed, and no one is left behind because of circumstances beyond their control.

“But we cannot do this alone. Sustainable change requires a collective effort.

“It requires policymakers who are committed to justice, communities that uplift one another, and individuals who are willing to stand up and take action,” he said.

He urged everyone to get involved through advocacy, volunteering, partnerships, or support in any form.

Also, Mr Oluwatobi Sasere, brother to the deceased, commended the widow for instituting the foundation in his brother’s memory, saying “this is a good initiative, We will always remember him for good.”

Supreme news reports that several former colleagues of the late Sasere were present at the event.

They included Mrs Tolani Martins, Mrs Olu Awe, Mr Wale Asimiyu as well as the Rector of The Chapel of Transfiguration, Venerable Dade Sadare, who took turns to eulogy late Sasere kind-heartedness.