As the world marked International Widows’ Day, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, Dr. Bulus Yohanna, has issued a passionate appeal to families of deceased men, urging them to stop treating widows as part of inheritance.
Speaking through his deputy, Joshua Marcus, at an event organised by the Women Wing of CAN (WOWICAN) in Minna, the Bishop of Kontagora Diocese emphasised that widows are human beings deserving of dignity and compassion, not property to be passed around.
“It saddens my heart when I hear that the relatives of deceased men not only share properties but also treat widows like possessions. No, widows are not property – they are people,” Yohanna stated.
He encouraged widows to focus on becoming self-reliant and productive, urging them to explore business opportunities and stay committed to raising their children.
“Prepare for the rainy days. God has blessed you with children — focus on them. If you are not working, find something to do,” he advised.
Earlier, WOWICAN State Chairperson, Evangelist Ladi Nuhu, in her address themed “Empowering Widows: Building Resilience, Restoring Dignity”, called on widows to take charge of their lives by building resilience and not giving up hope.
“Yes, you need support, but you must also be intentional about your independence. Your children are looking up to you,” she told attendees.
Referencing Isaiah 54:5-6, she reminded widows that they hold a special place in the heart of God, encouraging them to draw strength from their faith.
The event drew participation from various interfaith and civil society groups including the Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Women in Dawah, and Working with Widows Initiative, who all shared a unified message: widows are not lesser women and should not be treated as outcasts.
The groups urged widows to channel their pain into purpose, and strive to become better mothers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
As part of the commemoration, WOWICAN distributed relief items such as salt, seasoning, detergent, and cash donations to widows from each bloc under CAN and other attending organisations.
