The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, has called on legislative institutions across Nigeria, particularly in the South-East region, to repeal laws and practices that are harmful to the rights, dignity, and overall well-being of widows.
In a goodwill message marking this year’s International Widows’ Day, Rt. Hon. Udeze expressed sympathy for millions of widows in Nigeria who continue to face exclusion, discrimination, and hardship following the loss of their husbands.
He noted that many widows have suffered the loss of their homes, livelihoods, and identities, while others have been subjected to various forms of abuse and deprivation due to circumstances beyond their control.
The Speaker identified some of the challenges faced by widows to include social stigma, exploitation, manipulation of inheritance laws, and denial of assets and entitlements on cultural grounds. He therefore urged traditional rulers and custodians of culture to abolish harmful practices and customs that undermine the welfare and productivity of widows in their communities.
Rt. Hon. Udeze also called on well-meaning individuals and organizations to support the efforts of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Nonye Soludo, in improving the lives of widows through empowerment programmes and other forms of assistance that would positively impact them and their families.
He encouraged widows not to see themselves as rejected members of society but to carry themselves with dignity and hope, assuring them that God remains with them in all circumstances.
The Speaker reaffirmed the need for collective action to protect widows’ rights and promote policies that guarantee their social and economic inclusion.
