Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for increased protection, support and empowerment for widows, urging governments, communities and stakeholders to eliminate harmful traditional practices that undermine their rights and dignity.

In a message commemorating the 2026 International Widows’ Day, the First Lady stressed the need for renewed commitment to improving the welfare of widows across Nigeria, Africa and the wider world.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, *“Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows – The African Perspectives,”* Tinubu said widows should be able to live free from discrimination, poverty, exclusion and other forms of injustice that continue to affect many women after the loss of their spouses.

She emphasised the importance of legal protections that safeguard widows’ rights, while advocating greater access to education, economic opportunities and social support systems that can help them rebuild their lives with confidence and 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.

The First Lady also condemned harmful traditional practices that subject widows to humiliation, deprivation and other forms of abuse, calling on African societies to abandon customs that violate the rights and dignity of women.

According to her, compassion, inclusion and deliberate policy actions are necessary to create safer and more supportive environments for widows and their families.

“In Africa, we must do away with harmful traditional practices that are dehumanising to widows. We must continue to promote compassion, inclusion and policies that protect widows for a safer and more prosperous society,” she said.

Tinubu further noted that empowering widows economically would enable them to provide for their families, contribute meaningfully to society and overcome the challenges that often accompany the loss of a spouse.

She reaffirmed her support for initiatives aimed at advancing the rights and welfare of widows and wished widows across the country a meaningful International Widows’ Day commemoration.

International Widows’ Day is observed annually to raise awareness about the challenges faced by widows worldwide and to promote policies that guarantee their rights, protection and economic inclusion.