Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for the eradication of harmful traditional practices against widows across Africa, urging governments, communities and relevant stakeholders to safeguard their rights, dignity and economic well-being.
In a message marking the 2026 International Widows’ Day on Tuesday, Senator Tinubu stressed that widows should no longer be subjected to customs that undermine their humanity. She advocated stronger legal protections and sustainable empowerment programmes to support widows in rebuilding their lives.
“In Africa, we must do away with harmful traditional practices that are dehumanising to widows,” she said.
The First Lady made the appeal as the world commemorated this year’s International Widows’ Day under the theme, “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows – The African Perspectives.”
She called on Nigerians and the global community to renew efforts toward addressing the challenges faced by widows, including discrimination, poverty and social exclusion, while creating opportunities that enable them to lead productive and fulfilling lives.
According to her, widows deserve to live free from discrimination, harmful cultural practices and economic hardship, with laws that guarantee their rights and promote their welfare.
“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.
Senator Tinubu also advocated policies that promote compassion, inclusion and social justice, noting that empowering widows economically would have far-reaching benefits for 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.
The First Lady reaffirmed the importance of collective action in ensuring that widows across Africa enjoy justice, dignity and equal opportunities, free from exploitation, discrimination and marginalisation.
