Lokoja, June 24, 2026 – The Wife of the Kogi State Governor, Sefinat Ododo, has called for stronger policy measures to enhance the protection, dignity and economic wellbeing of widows across Nigeria.
She made the appeal in a statement issued to commemorate the 2026 International Widows’ Day, themed “Widows in Africa: Perspective on Justice, Dignity, and Economic Power,” held in Lokoja on Tuesday.
The International Widows’ Day, observed annually on June 23, is recognised by the United Nations as a global initiative aimed at addressing poverty, discrimination and injustice affecting widows and their dependents.
Ododo stressed the need for urgent legal and institutional reforms that would ensure widows are fully protected, legally recognised, and shielded from social and economic hardship.
She noted that the enforcement of laws prohibiting harmful traditional practices, as well as the protection of inheritance and property rights, remains essential in addressing the challenges faced by widows in the country.
According to her, economic empowerment is central to restoring dignity and independence among widows, calling for expanded access to skills training, microcredit opportunities and sustainable livelihood programmes.
The governor’s wife reaffirmed that widows’ welfare remains a key focus of her humanitarian work, adding that her office has been implementing initiatives such as cash support, vocational training and empowerment schemes to promote self-reliance.
She also pledged to scale up interventions through her office and the Ohunene Empowerment Initiative (OEI) to reach more widows, particularly at the grassroots level.
Ododo reiterated the commitment of the administration of Governor Ahmed Ododo to policies that promote the safety, welfare and protection of widows in Kogi State.
She further encouraged widows to remain strong and resilient in their roles within families and communities.