In a significant humanitarian effort, the United States-based Kedrick Scribner Foundation Inc., in collaboration with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), has enrolled over 700 widows and orphans of deceased police officers into a free health insurance scheme. This initiative coincided with the celebration of the 2024 International Widow’s Day.
During a ceremony on Saturday in Lagos, Dr. Kedrick Scribner, the foundation’s founder, represented by his wife, Mrs. Victoria Scribner, emphasized their commitment to aiding the less privileged. “This initiative is very dear to my husband, being a retired police officer himself in the United States. He understands the hardships faced by the families of fallen officers,” she said. The foundation, which has positively impacted thousands over the past three years, holds outreach programs twice a year and plans to expand its reach to other states throughout Nigeria.
The fourth edition of the inspiring initiative “Widow’s Mite 4.0,” themed “Hope Beyond Grief,” brought the community together for a series of impactful seminars. The event, dedicated to supporting widows, featured a variety of topics aimed at providing practical and emotional guidance.
Key seminar topics included:
- Maintaining Integrity in Widowhood: Empowering widows to uphold their values and dignity during challenging times.
- Police Widow Entitlement: Educating attendees on the rights and benefits available to widows of police officers.
- Anger and Bitterness (Health Consequences): Addressing the emotional toll of grief and the importance of managing negative emotions for better health.
- Widows’ Children: Highlighting the need to shun cultism, sexual exploitation, and drugs, and emphasizing positive paths for the youth.
- Dramatization: A powerful performance demonstrating the importance of avoiding cultism, sexual exploitation, and drug abuse.
“Hope Beyond Grief” provided valuable insights and practical advice, fostering a sense of community and resilience among attendees.
The Widow’s Mite 4.0 program brought together widows and children of fallen heroes of The Nigeria Police Force from various parts of Lagos State to share their stories, find solace, and uncover hope beyond their grief. Distinguished speakers and dignitaries, including Mrs. Adekemi Fayoade, the wife of Commissioner of Police Lagos State Police Command and Chairperson of Police Officers Wives Association (POWA).
Mrs. Ishola Abiola Sherifat, the wife of Commissioner of Police Western Port command Apapa Lagos and Chairperson of Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) Western Port Command Apapa Lagos; Chief Superintendent of Narcotics PSO DDR Adunni M. Dick from the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency; Dr. Bulus Flang Musa, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Officer in charge of Police Veterinary Medical Services Lagos State Police Command; Dr. Alabi from Police Cottage Hospital Ikeja Lagos; Elder Mundi Longse, Assistant Pastor HEKAN Church Ikeja; Princess Vicky Ayodele Haastrup, Co-founder and shareholder of ENL Consortium Ltd; and other representatives from the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), attended the event.
Mrs. Glam Flang Bulus, the Foundation Manager, highlighted the initiative’s importance. “These women endure tremendous pain and hardship following the loss of their husbands. This health insurance gift aims to alleviate some of that burden,” she explained. The foundation also offers vocational training and start-up materials to widows and orphans through the Kedrick Scribner Vocational Center at the United Church of Christ in Nigeria AKA HEKAN, Mountain Troops Police Barracks, Ikeja.
The health insurance provided by the foundation is free and renewable annually for life, ensuring ongoing support for the beneficiaries. The comprehensive insurance includes consultations, specialist care, treatment for common ailments, eye care, child welfare services, hospital care and admission, pharmaceutical care, blood transfusion, chronic disease management, HIV/AIDS services, tuberculosis services, haematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, diagnostic radiological investigations, ultrasound scans and tests, dental care, surgeries, and renal dialysis (three sessions).
Looking ahead, the foundation aims to empower more widows and orphans in its fifth edition Widow’s Mite 5.0 in January 2025 and is planning to build an empowerment villa called Kedrick Scribner Foundation City of Refuge with training centers, healthcare facilities, and other essential amenities. This ambitious project underscores the foundation’s long-term commitment to improving the lives of those in need in Nigeria.
Beneficiaries of the initiative expressed their gratitude for the support. Mrs. Theresa Adelusi, a mother of four, lauded the initiative, saying, “I am very happy because healthcare costs are significant, and this gift is immensely helpful. We appreciate the foundation’s efforts.” Mrs. Esther Zitta, another beneficiary whose husband died in 2011, added, “This initiative is beneficial and will help us manage our health needs, especially since we no longer have access to the health insurance we used when my husband was in service.”
Several individuals shared their success stories from the vocational center. Salamate Dalha expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am one of the beneficiaries of the Kedrick Scribner Vocational Centre. I finished my training in tailoring as one of the best students and was empowered with a sewing machine. I appreciate Mr. Kedrick Scribner for this opportunity. May Almighty Allah continue to bless him.” Andrew Mercy Kazachat echoed this sentiment: “I want to thank Mr. Kedrick Scribner for everything he has done for me. I finished as one of the best students in tailoring class and was empowered with a sewing machine. Thank you, sir. May God bless and keep him.” Rejoice Mourice added, “I am an orphan and a beneficiary of the Kedrick Scribner Foundation. I learned many things about computers and am grateful for the support. May God continue to bless them.”
Patrick Okorie, a friend of the foundation, praised the initiative and called on other well-meaning individuals and organizations to emulate the gesture and give back to humanity.
The foundation is thrilled to see the positive impact of the Widow’s Mite 4.0 program in the lives of these remarkable women and children. They remain committed to supporting families of the fallen heroes of The Nigeria Police Force and are planning for a transformative experience with Widow’s Mite 5.0 in January 2025. Join them as they continue to walk hand in hand with widows and their children toward a more hopeful future.
In a recent conversation with Dr. Scribner, he was asked about the inspiration behind his dedication to assisting humanity. He explained that his motivation is deeply rooted in his love for God. For over 38 years, Dr. Scribner has served as the Adjutant to Bishop Jerome Stokes, the Pastor and Founder of The Church Of The Redeemed Of The Lord in Baltimore, Maryland.
Dr. Scribner has closely observed how Bishop Stokes has positively impacted both the church members and the wider community. Bishop Stokes’ expressions of love and dedication have ignited a similar spirit in Dr. Scribner. The church’s initiatives, such as the holistic personal ministry, community transformation, and the continuous development of solid relationships with Jesus Christ through the Word of God, as well as the food pantry and personal assistance programs, have been instrumental in providing support to those in need, reflecting the values and commitment that both men share.
“We thank God for those opportunity to serve people of all kinds, Christian, Muslim and other faiths”.
