The Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has reaffirmed her Office’s dedication to uplifting widows, and condemning outdated cultural practices that marginalize them.
Mrs. Anani gave the assurance during an engagement with the Edo State Widows Dignity Advocate Network at the Government House in Benin City, where she emphasized the need for collective action to ensure economic independence and social justice for vulnerable groups, urging stakeholders to collaborate in breaking systemic barriers. In her words, “Nobody ever prays to be a widow, but it’s a way of life and when it comes, sometimes it’s difficult. I always say, ‘Get up, embrace it, and move forward.’
“When life throws you lemons, they say you make lemonade out of it. It’s not easy to make that lemonade, but while there’s life, there’s hope. Sometimes we’ve seen widows commit suicide because the burden is heavy and there’s no support system. For some, widowhood remains stigmatized. People are still labeled as if they killed their husbands. Some struggle with family members’ unhealthy demands. Having a group of women come together is vital, you’ll speak on behalf of younger widows.
”There are harmful cultural practices still in place today. I’ve spoken about discrimination and eviction. I oppose these practices wherever I go. Women suffer things they didn’t commit. Some widowhood rituals should be abolished. They’re unnecessary. We don’t need them.”
Mrs. Anani highlighted some needs concerning widows to include educational support for their children, economic empowerment, and healthcare access, for which she pledged her Office’s commitment to partner with the Edo State Health Insurance Commission to enroll widows in the Scheme, stating that empowerment is a gradual process. She promised to raise issues on widows’ welfare with the Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, citing past successes in addressing similar challenges.
She encouraged widows to combat idleness by engaging in activities that empower them, maintaining that widowhood is not a stigma She also charged affluent widows to support struggling ones, admonishing younger widows not to be afraid of remarriage if they so desire. She noted that companionship brings emotional support at old age, and not just physical intimacy. She prayed God’s blessings on them, that they will smile as their ashes will be turned to beauty, and favour. She also consoled them that the Lord would be husbands to the widows and fathers to their children.
The Leader of the Group and Senior Special Adviser to the Governor and Chief Protocol Officer to the Office of the First Lady, Pastor (Mrs.) Mabel Obetoh, appreciated Mrs. Anani for her compassion and support. She advocated for a more coordinated, sustainable system to address the emotional, social, and economic challenges widows face to ensure their welfare and dignity.
”We are deeply grateful for your continuous compassion, motherly leadership, and the support you have shown to widows, women, and vulnerable groups across the State. Your Excellency ma’am, as a widow’s advocate, I stand here today to present the heart cry of many widows across the State. These women, strong, resilient, and courageous, continue to face emotional, social, and economic challenges that require structured and sustainable interventions. While your impactful initiatives have greatly uplifted many, we respectfully appeal for a more coordinated system that will further secure the welfare and dignity of widows,” Mrs. Obetoh said.
Mrs. Obetoh requested the Coordinator to address four key needs of widows, including Economic Empowerment through grants, training, business support; Shelter and Social Protection through enactment of anti-eviction laws, safety; Education through scholarships for their children; and Healthcare through affordable access. She proposed a Widow Welfare Board that will be responsible for registering widows, tailor aid, and monitor abuse. She concluded with the pledge of the Organization’s desire to collaborate with the Office of the First Lady.
Highpoint of the engagement was the presentation of a copy of the Holy Bible to Mrs. Anani, who received it with appreciation.
