At Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA), compassion is not merely a principle—it is a responsibility expressed through action. This commitment was brought to life with the first edition of Put a Smile on Someone’s Face for 2026, as the WELA team paid a surprise visit aimed at restoring hope, dignity, and encouragement to a woman facing profound hardship.
Led by Mrs. Funmi Falana SAN, Founder and Chair of WELA, the team travelled to Atan, Ogun State, on Thursday 22 January 2026, to visit Mrs. Bose Okoletu, a widow of a slain soldier and mother of five children. Despite the pain of loss and the heavy burden of sole responsibility for her family, Mrs. Okoletu has continued to persevere, earning a living as a fashion designer and striving to provide for her children against difficult odds.
During the visit, the WELA team presented Mrs. Okoletu with essential food items to support her household, alongside a cheque of ₦100,000 to strengthen her tailoring business. This gesture was not only an act of relief but one of empowerment—aimed at supporting her livelihood and reaffirming her resilience and dignity.
In keeping with the spirit of Put a Smile on Someone’s Face, the visit was filled with warmth, colour, and joy. The team brought along musicians, whose music transformed the moment into one of celebration and human connection. What began as a surprise visit quickly became a shared experience of laughter, encouragement, and renewed hope.
This initiative reflects WELA’s enduring mission to stand with the vulnerable and support those who are often overlooked. Widows—particularly those left behind by fallen service members—frequently face economic hardship, emotional trauma, and social isolation. Through Put a Smile on Someone’s Face, WELA seeks to remind them that they are seen, valued, and not alone.
This outreach marks the first edition of Put a Smile on Someone’s Face in 2026, with more visits planned in the course of the year. Through each edition, WELA remains committed to translating compassion into action, restoring dignity, and spreading hope—one life, one family, and one community at a time.
Sometimes, all it takes to change a moment is kindness. And sometimes, that kindness arrives unexpectedly—bringing not just support, but a genuine smile.