Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for the abolition of harmful widowhood practices, urging governments, communities and other stakeholders to uphold their rights, dignity and economic well-being.
In a message to commemorate the 2026 International Widows’ Day on Tuesday, the First Lady said widows should no longer be subjected to customs and practices that strip them of their humanity, stressing the need for stronger legal protection and sustainable empowerment initiatives.
“In Africa, we must do away with harmful traditional practices that are dehumanising to widows,” she declared.
Oluremi made the appeal as the global community marked this year’s International Widows’ Day with the theme: “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows – The African Perspectives.”
She urged Nigerians and the international community to renew their commitment to addressing the challenges confronting widows, including discrimination, poverty and social exclusion, while creating opportunities that enable them to live productive and fulfilling lives.
According to her, widows should be protected by laws that uphold their rights and provided with opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
“Widows deserve to live free from discrimination, harmful practices, poverty, and exclusion. They must be protected by laws that uphold their rights and be empowered through education, access to opportunities, and economic support to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope,” she stated.
The First Lady further advocated policies that foster compassion, inclusion and social justice, noting that empowering widows economically would not only improve their quality of life but also strengthen families, communities and national development.
“We must continue to promote compassion, inclusion, and policies that protect widows for a safer and more prosperous society. The society should empower widows to be able to provide for their families,” she added.
She wished widows across the country a meaningful International Widows’ Day celebration and reaffirming her commitment to advocating for their rights and welfare.
