Oluwafunbi Bello 
Nigeria First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for stronger legal protections, economic support and the elimination of harmful traditional practices against widows, urging governments and communities to uphold their rights and dignity.
In a message marking International Widows’ Day 2026 on Tuesday, the First Lady said widows across Nigeria, Africa and the world should be protected from discrimination, poverty and social exclusion.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows – The African Perspectives,” Tinubu urged renewed commitment to improving the welfare of widows.
“Today, on International Widows’ Day 2026, I urge us to reaffirm our support for widows across Nigeria, Africa, and the world as we reflect on this year’s theme: ‘Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows – The African Perspectives,’” she said.
“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.
International Widows’ Day is observed annually on June 23 to draw attention to the social, economic and legal challenges faced by widows around the world.
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