The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for stronger legal and social protection for widows, urging governments, communities and stakeholders to eliminate harmful traditional practices that undermine their dignity.
In a message marking International Widows’ Day 2026 on Tuesday, she said widows must be allowed to live free from discrimination, poverty and social exclusion.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows – The African Perspectives,” the First Lady urged renewed commitment to improving the welfare of widows in Nigeria, Africa and globally.
“Today, on International Widows’ Day 2026, I urge us to reaffirm our support for widows across Nigeria, Africa, and the world as we reflect on this year’s theme: ‘Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows – The African Perspectives,’” she said.
She stressed that widows deserve protection under the law and access to opportunities that enable them to rebuild their lives with dignity.
“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.
Tinubu also called for the abolition of dehumanising cultural practices still affecting widows in parts of Africa.
“In Africa, we must do away with harmful traditional practices that are dehumanising to widows.”
She further advocated for policies that promote compassion, inclusion and economic empowerment, noting that widows should be supported to provide for their families and live meaningful lives.
The First Lady concluded by wishing widows across the country a meaningful commemoration of the day and reaffirmed her support for initiatives aimed at improving their welfare and rights.
