As the world marked International Widows’ Day, the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has extended heartfelt appreciation to widows globally, lauding their strength, resilience, and unyielding spirit in the face of personal loss.
In a commemorative message, Dr. Soludo described widows as “silent warriors who bear the weight of personal loss while continuing to nurture families and communities.”
She urged a renewed global commitment to uplift and empower widows, particularly in societies where they continue to face systemic neglect.
Drawing attention to the challenges confronting Nigerian widows, Dr. Soludo highlighted the intersection of cultural, economic, and legal barriers that often marginalise women following the death of a spouse.
She called for inclusive policies and robust grassroots support structures to protect widows’ rights and dignity.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no widow is left behind or made to feel invisible,” she said, stressing the importance of access to education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods tailored to the needs of widows.
Turning her focus to Anambra State, Dr. Soludo commended the resilience and contributions of widows within the state, many of whom, she noted, have emerged as pillars of their communities.
Expanding initiatives
She reaffirmed the commitment of her office to developing and expanding initiatives that support the welfare and economic independence of widows.
“In Anambra, we are building a compassionate society where every widow is seen, heard, and given the tools to thrive,” she concluded.
In a related message posted on her verified social media account, Dr. Soludo emphasized the importance of treating widows with humanity and respect.
“Widows are no less human. They have all the rights that everyone else does. We must treat these special individuals with dignity, compassion, and respect,” she wrote.
“Being a widow should never equate to the loss of dignity, respect, or basic human rights. A society where widows are still subjected to socio-cultural harms is living in complete barbarism. Losing one’s spouse is already enough pain.”
She ended with a call to action by enjoining all to assist in building a society that sees widowhood as a cause, not a curse. Empower that poor widow around you today.”
Lateefah Ibrahim