Widowhood not a curse - Mrs Soludo tells Nigerians

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Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo

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By Madu Obi

The wife of the Anambra State governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged Nigerians to support widows by taking actions meant to empower them.

Mrs Soludo, who is the convener of Healthy Living Initiative, made the call in a message to mark the 2025 International Widows’ Day.

The International Widows’ Day is commemorated every June 23 to examine issues affecting widows around the world and what must be done to safeguard and advance their rights.

She lamented that in many cultures, widowhood was still marred by stigma, isolation, economic struggles, social exclusion and limited financial independence, calling on the need to avoid such vices

According to her, there is a need to encourage individuals to recognize the struggles widows often face alone and to extend compassion and practical assistance to them.

“Widows are no less human than anyone else. They have the same rights as every other person. We must treat these remarkable individuals with dignity, compassion and respect.

Being a widow should never equate to loss of dignity, respect and basic human rights.

A society where widows are still subjected to socio-cultural harms is living in complete barbarism. Losing one’s spouse is already enough harm.

Together, let us build a society that sees widowhood as a cause and not a curse. Empower that poor widow around you today,” she said.