Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
In view of the rise of young widows, the federal government has appealed to development partners to lend further support to provide widows data-based nationwide and socio-economic empowerment programmes.
Also, the National Centre for Women Development, the only parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, is now to be known as Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Monilolo Udoh, made this appeal at the occasion to set off the commemoration activities of the 2023 International Widows Day (IWD).
Udoh noted the increasing number of young widows in the country, and highlighted the need to have a comprehensive data that would enable the government to implement programmes that would address their challenges.
According to her, “The ministry is aware of the rising number of young widows in Nigeria, and is calling for partners’ support to provide widows data-base nationwide and socio-economic empowerment programmes.”
She also stressed on the need for everyone to take care of their mental and physical health, as well as to imbibe healthy lifestyle that would reduce the risk of deaths.
The permanent secretary also encouraged the people, especially the men, to have the Will that will ensure that one’s property is properly disposed of, putting into consideration their wives and children.
Udoh said: “Have a ‘Will’ in case of sudden death to ensure your wife and children are cared for even long after your departure as often times, family members disposes widows of their husband’s property.”
She added that the ministry would partner others to provide 200 widows with palliatives to reduce their social and economic burdens, as well as train some on digital training for their economic advancement.
