Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to eliminate harmful traditional practices that subject widows to discrimination and hardship, urging greater support and protection for widows across the country and beyond.
In a message commemorating the 2026 International Widows Day, the First Lady stressed the need for society to uphold the rights, dignity, and welfare of widows, while advocating policies and initiatives that promote their social and economic empowerment.
This year’s observance is themed, “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows: The African Perspective.”
Mrs. Tinubu said widows deserve to live free from discrimination, exclusion, poverty, and cultural practices that undermine their fundamental human rights.
According to her, the annual observance serves as an important reminder of the challenges many widows continue to face and the collective responsibility of governments, communities, and individuals to address those challenges.
The First Lady emphasized the importance of strengthening legal frameworks and social protection systems that safeguard widows from abuse, exploitation, and deprivation.
She called for laws and policies that guarantee justice and equal opportunities for widows while ensuring they have access to education, economic opportunities, and support systems capable of helping them rebuild their lives.
“Widows deserve to live free from discrimination, harmful practices, poverty, and exclusion,” she stated.
Mrs. Tinubu further urged Nigerians to embrace compassion and inclusiveness, noting that supporting widows contributes to stronger families, more resilient communities, and a more prosperous society.
She encouraged stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organizations, religious bodies, and traditional leaders, to work together in advancing the welfare and protection of widows.
The First Lady also highlighted the importance of economic empowerment, stressing that access to livelihoods, financial resources, and educational opportunities remains critical to helping widows achieve independence and stability.
International Widows Day is observed annually on June 23 to raise awareness about the social, economic, and legal challenges faced by widows worldwide. The day also serves as a platform for advocating policies that address inequality, poverty, and discrimination affecting widowed women.
Across many African communities, widows continue to face challenges ranging from property dispossession and social exclusion to harmful cultural practices and limited access to economic opportunities.
Mrs. Tinubu’s message aligns with broader efforts by governments, development partners, and advocacy groups to promote gender equality, protect vulnerable groups, and ensure that widows are able to live with dignity and security.
She concluded by calling on Nigerians to support initiatives that promote justice, inclusion, and economic empowerment for widows, describing such efforts as essential for building a safer, fairer, and more equitable society.
