As the world marks International Widow’s Day, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has called for greater respect and support for widows, stressing that they should never be treated as property to be inherited.
Speaking during an event organized by the Women Wing of CAN (WOWICAN) in Niger State, Bishop Yohanna, represented by his deputy Rev. Joshua Marcus, decried the cultural practices that subject widows to dehumanizing treatment.
He condemned cases where relatives of deceased men distribute not only the belongings of the deceased but also lay claims to their wives.
“It saddens my heart when I hear of instances where relatives share the properties of a late man and include the wife in the process. Widows are not properties to be shared they are human beings and deserve to be treated with dignity,” he said.
The bishop urged widows to embrace self-reliance and focus on raising their children, encouraging them to pursue entrepreneurship or other means of livelihood if unemployed.
WOWICAN State Chairperson, Ladi Nuhu, also spoke at the event, which was held under the theme: “Empowering Widows: Building Resilience, Restoring Dignity.” She urged widows to take bold steps toward financial independence and become deliberate about improving their children’s futures.
“While we understand that you need support, this is the time to rise, be strong for your children, and not give up,” she added.
Nuhu further encouraged participants with a biblical reference from Isaiah 54:5-6, reminding widows of their valued place in God’s heart.
Other groups present, including the Federation of Muslim Women in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Women in Dawah, and the Working with Widows Initiative, also shared messages of resilience, urging widows not to see themselves as lesser women but as strong mothers capable of rebuilding their lives.
The event wrapped up with the distribution of care packages including; food items, detergents, and cash to selected widows from CAN blocs and partner organizations.
