The Lagos State Government has extended financial support to 800 widows, providing each beneficiary with N50,000. These beneficiaries were selected from various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), faith-based societies, the state social register, and vulnerable groups.
During a media parley to commemorate the 2024 International Widows Day, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Cecilia Bolaji Dada, announced the initiative. This year’s theme is “Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality (with emphasis on strengthening land and property rights).”
Dada emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing the plight of widows and their children. “Lagos State joins the rest of the world in marking this day, focusing mainly on raising awareness of the plight of widows, especially the vulnerable ones and their children,” she stated.
The Commissioner reassured widows that the state government is committed to supporting them through policies and programs aimed at promoting self-reliance and economic stability. “To all the widows out there, we see you, we hear you, and we will support you. We recognize the sacrifices you’ve made and the challenges you are going through. Be assured that you are not alone in this journey,” Dada said.
She highlighted the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus agenda for social inclusion, initiated by the Governor, which includes annual financial support for widows to promote inclusive governance.
Dada acknowledged the severe challenges faced by widows, stressing the need for access to quality healthcare, education, and a decent livelihood free from violence and abuse. She emphasized the importance of securing land and property rights for widows and called for the engagement of all social agents to combat discrimination.
“In this quest to protect the inheritance rights of widows, the family units are sensitized by the Ministry towards getting all members of society to treat women as human beings with equal human rights,” she said. “Nigeria, and Lagos as a center of excellence, have joined the developed world in advocating for best international human rights practices which emphasize equality for all persons.”
Dada assured that the Ministry will continue collaborating with stakeholders, including the Office of the Public Defender and the Ministry of Justice, to set standards that allow women, especially vulnerable widows, to become independent and successful.
“Once again, I encourage all our beneficiaries to utilize the cash to support your businesses, focus more on yourself, build your children in peace, and hold on to God, who is the only available succor. On behalf of the State Government and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, we wish you all a happy Widows Day,” she concluded.
International Widows Day occurs annually on June 23 and it is a day deemed by the United Nations to recognize and address the “poverty and injustice faced by millions of widows and their dependents in many countries.”
