Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for stronger support, legal protection, and economic empowerment for widows across Nigeria, Africa, and the world as the global community marks the 2026 International Widows’ Day.
In a message issued on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, to commemorate the annual observance, Senator Tinubu urged governments, communities, and individuals to reaffirm their commitment to the welfare and rights of widows, stressing that they deserve to live with dignity and without discrimination.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows – The African Perspectives,” the First Lady said widows must be protected from harmful practices, poverty, exclusion, and other forms of injustice.
She emphasised the need for laws and policies that safeguard widows’ rights while providing them with access to education, economic opportunities, and social support to enable them to rebuild their lives with hope and dignity.
According to her, African societies must eliminate harmful traditional practices that dehumanise widows and deny them their rights.
The First Lady also called for greater compassion, inclusion, and the implementation of policies that would create a safer and more prosperous society for widows and their families.
She added that society should empower widows economically so they can adequately cater for their families and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Senator Tinubu extended her goodwill to widows on the occasion of the 2026 International Widows’ Day, urging all stakeholders to work collectively toward ensuring justice, dignity, and economic independence for widows.
