As preparations intensify for the 2026 International Widows Day celebration, widows in Kogi State have called for greater inclusion in policy-making and social protection programmes, while commending Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the First Lady, Hajiya Sefinat Ododo, for their support to vulnerable women across the state.
Speaking at a high-level press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Lokoja ahead of the June 23 observance, the State Widows Programme Coordinator, Chief Ojone Ojatah described widowhood as one of the most difficult life transitions for women, often accompanied by economic hardship, social isolation, exclusion from decision-making processes, and the burden of single-handedly raising children.
Ojatah noted that the true measure of any society lies in how it treats its most vulnerable citizens, stressing that widows are too often neglected despite their significant contributions to family and community development.
Drawing from both Islamic and Christian teachings, the speaker emphasized that caring for widows is a moral and religious obligation rather than an act of charity.
Reference was made to Surah Al-Baqarah 2:240 and Surah An-Nisa 4:8 of the Holy Qur’an, as well as biblical passages including Isaiah 1:17 and James 1:27, which advocate justice, compassion, and support for widows and other vulnerable groups.
According to the coordinator, these scriptural teachings underscore the responsibility of governments, communities, and individuals to provide financial security, protection, and social support for widows.
The coordinator expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo and the First Lady for initiatives targeted at improving the welfare of widows in the state. Since May 2025, the administration has reportedly distributed food items quarterly to more than 20,000 widows and sponsored over ten empowerment programmes and interventions aimed at improving their economic well-being.
The briefing also served as a platform to formally invite Governor Ododo to attend and officially flag off activities marking the 2026 International Widows Day celebration on June 23.
Widows across the state, the coordinator said, are also urging stakeholders, including government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, private sector partners, and well-meaning individuals, to participate in the event and support initiatives designed to improve the lives of widows.
Reaffirming support for policies that promote human dignity, economic inclusion, and social welfare, the coordinator said widows remain committed to the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda and called for sustained interventions that would empower women who have lost their spouses.
“As we approach International Widows Day 2026, let us remember that a widow is not a burden. She is a builder of families, a custodian of values, and a symbol of resilience,” the coordinator said.
The coordinator concluded by calling for collective action to ensure that widows are empowered and equipped to contribute meaningfully to society while preserving the values and stability of their families.
