The First Lady of Kwara State, Mrs. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, emphasized the importance of protecting widows’ rights, urging a collective effort from Civil Society Organizations and the government.
Speaking at a lecture organized by the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) in Ilorin on Saturday, Mrs. Abdulrazaq highlighted the need for legal recognition of widows’ rights through laws and edicts.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Afolasade Oluwakemi, the First Lady stated, “We must jointly pursue the rights of widows to create awareness and protect their rights.
Our views should be given legal recognition through state by-laws and edicts, considering Nigeria’s federal system. The state government has incorporated various widow support programs into its initiatives, with several ongoing and continuous programs.”
The event saw no fewer than 50 widows receiving cash support from the Kwara State branch of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity).
Gloria Okoduwa, Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, also raised awareness about the challenges widows face in Nigeria.
Speaking on the theme “Widows and Window of Opportunities,” she noted that many women encounter significant issues after losing their husbands due to cultural and social practices.
Reflecting on her own experience of losing her father while in Junior Secondary School, Okoduwa said, “Many women face severe discrimination in inheritance due to cultural practices.
In some parts of Nigeria, only parents and the first male child in a polygamous family inherit property, leaving other children to suffer.”
She pointed out that while Nigeria has numerous laws, including the 1999 Constitution, to protect widows, the implementation of these laws remains weak.
“Despite legal protections, widows in Nigeria often struggle to access their rights due to cultural norms, lack of awareness, and inadequate enforcement of laws.
Many widows are unaware of their rights, and while the constitution guarantees protection, its implementation is lacking.”
In his welcome speech, NAS leader of the Kwara State branch, Gbolahan Balogun, called for collective responsibility and concrete actions to make a positive difference in the lives of widows.
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