International Widow’s Day : CAN Chairman Advocates for Dignity and Self-Reliance.
From Our Correspondent.
In a poignant address during the International Widow’s Day event, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, emphasized the importance of dignity and self-reliance for widows, condemning the notion that they are property to be distributed among relatives. The event, organized by the Women Wing of CAN (WOWICAN) in Niger State, highlighted the struggles faced by widows and the need for society to recognize their humanity.
Represented by his deputy, Rev. Joshua Marcus, Bishop Yohanna expressed deep concern over the troubling trend where family members attempt to claim the assets of deceased individuals, including their spouses. “It saddens my heart when I hear about cases where relatives are sharing the properties of a late person and include the wives,” he stated. “No, widows are not properties to be shared among relatives of their husbands; they are human beings who should be treated with dignity.”
He called on widows to embrace their strength and focus on becoming self-sufficient. “I urge our widows to engage in businesses if you are not currently employed,” he added, encouraging them to concentrate on raising their children with resilience.
Ladi Nuhu, State Chairperson of WOWICAN, shared insights on the theme “Empowering Widows: Building Resilience, Restoring Dignity,” urging widows to take active steps in improving their families’ lives. “We call on our widows to be deliberate about becoming self-reliant. While we recognize that you need some support for your children, this is the time to stand up for them and not give up,” she conveyed.
Nuhu also referenced the biblical passage from Isaiah 54:5-6 to remind widows of their special place in God’s heart, encouraging a spirit of perseverance and hope.
Additional organizations, including the Federation of Muslim Women in Nigeria (FOMWAN) and Women in Dawah, joined the call for widows to see themselves as empowered individuals, urging them to focus on their roles as nurturing mothers.
The event concluded with the distribution of care packages, which included essential items such as salt, seasoning, detergent, and cash, aimed at supporting identified widows from various CAN groups and affiliated organizations.
