Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for an end to harmful traditional practices against widows, urging governments, community leaders, and stakeholders to uphold the rights, dignity, and welfare of widows across the country and the African continent.
Tinubu made the appeal on Monday in a message marking the 2026 International Widows’ Day, observed annually on June 23 to raise awareness about the challenges faced by widows and to advocate for their protection and empowerment.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows – The African Perspectives,” the First Lady stressed the need to eliminate discriminatory customs and cultural practices that subject widows to humiliation, deprivation, and social exclusion.
She noted that many widows continue to face various forms of injustice, including denial of inheritance rights, economic hardship, stigmatization, and harmful widowhood rites that undermine their fundamental human rights.
According to her, widows deserve equal opportunities, protection under the law, and access to economic resources that will enable them to support themselves and their families.
The First Lady called on policymakers, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, and community leaders to work together to create an environment where widows can live with dignity and free from discrimination.
She emphasized the importance of strengthening legal frameworks, promoting education, and implementing economic empowerment programmes aimed at improving the welfare and livelihoods of widows.
Tinubu further urged Nigerians to show compassion and solidarity with widows, stressing that their contributions to families and society should be recognized and valued.
