In commemoration of International Widows’ Day, the wife of the Oyo State Governor, Her Excellency, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, hosted widows from all 33 local government areas of the state at her office in Agodi, Ibadan.
The event, held on Monday, featured the distribution of food items and cash gifts to thousands of widows as a gesture of love, compassion, and support.
The First Lady who was represented by Hon. (Mrs) Bisi Oluranti Michael, member of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ogbomoso North Constituency highlighted the importance of the day and the collective responsibility of society in uplifting widows.
“We are gathered here today to commemorate International Widows’ Day, a day set aside for us to reflect on the challenges faced by widows and to celebrate their courage and resilience,” she said.
Speaking further, she highlighted the year’s global theme and its call to action: “The theme for this year, ‘Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality for Widows’, calls on us to go beyond acknowledgment and transform our sympathy into service and our concern into concrete action.
“For too long, widows in our society have faced stigma, economic hardship, harmful traditional practices, and in many cases, denial of their rightful inheritance. Widowhood should not be a sentence of suffering.”
She drew attention to the depth of pain widows often endure, and the strength with which many continue to stand.
“Widows often bear the weight of profound loss, not only losing their life partners but also, at times, their sense of security, social status, and hope for the future. Yet, despite these hardships, many stand as pillars of strength within their families and communities. You are mothers, caretakers, entrepreneurs, and leaders, and I salute your courage.”
Calling for a collaborative approach to real change, she urged stakeholders to rise to the challenge.
Her words: “To truly accelerate gender equality for widows, we all, government, civil society, religious institutions, and families, must work together to build supportive environments. This includes access to legal protection, economic empowerment, healthcare services, and psychosocial support. We must also challenge cultural norms that discriminate against widows and ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.”
She concluded with a heartfelt message to the women in attendance saying “To all the widows here today, your pain is acknowledged, and your strength is celebrated. This day belongs to you, not just as a reminder of loss but as a celebration of your courage and a promise of continued support.”
Also speaking, the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun who was represented by Mr Diya Ogunjimi, also offered words of comfort and encouragement.
“We honour the memory of your loved ones and acknowledge your resilience. You are not alone, and we hope today brings renewed strength and encouragement,” she said.
Mrs. Abiola Sanda, wife of the Chairman of the Forum of Oyo Local Government Chairmen, urged society to put an end to harmful social attitudes toward widows.
“If you cannot help a widow, at least do not stigmatize her,” she said. “Widows deserve dignity, not pity or suspicion.”
Some of the beneficiaries shared deeply moving testimonies.
Tawakalitu Adam spoke on the challenges of single-handedly raising children:
She said: “It is not easy to raise children and carry the cross alone, but gestures like this give us strength to carry on. We truly appreciate the Governor’s wife for remembering us.”
Another widow, Motunrayo Salam, shared her message of faith and gratitude:
Her words: “It’s very painful, but I trust in God. Don’t give up, there is still life and purpose ahead. We thank God for the life of our mother, Her Excellency for aiding us during this period”
Dignitaries present at the event included several wives of local government chairmen from across the state, such as Mrs. Khadijah Salam (Oyo West), Mrs. Aisha Adeleke (ATIBA), Mrs. Victoria Adegbite (Surulere), and Mrs. Olusola Adebimpe (Ibarapa East), among others.
International Widows’ Day, marked annually on June 23, is observed globally to raise awareness about the challenges faced by widows and to advocate for policies that ensure their rights, protection, and inclusion.
