The Oko Opo Widows Foundation has called on the Federal Government and state governments to establish a dedicated agency or special unit to cater to the welfare of widows and their dependent children across Nigeria.
The appeal was made in Abeokuta on Tuesday by the foundation’s promoter, Babatunde Adeyemo, during activities marking this year’s International Widows Day.
Adeyemo said millions of widows in Nigeria continue to face poverty, discrimination, neglect and economic hardship after losing their spouses, stressing that a government-backed institution would provide coordinated interventions and long-term support for affected families.
He urged governments at all levels to create a special body focused on economic empowerment, healthcare access, education for dependent children, legal protection and social welfare programmes for widows.
According to him, the annual observance of International Widows Day, recognised by the United Nations every June 23, highlights the challenges faced by widows and their dependants worldwide and underscores the need for deliberate policies to improve their living conditions.
Adeyemo noted that the Oko Opo Widows Foundation has, over the last three years, provided financial assistance, food supplies, medical outreach services and educational support to hundreds of widows in more than 25 communities across three local government areas of Ogun State.
He also reiterated his commitment to addressing housing challenges faced by widows, revealing plans to build dedicated apartments for widows and their children within one of the technology-driven estates being developed by Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited.
The businessman further called on governments, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to collaborate in creating sustainable support structures that would protect widows and secure a better future for their children.
“Deliberate policies and lasting interventions are required to restore the dignity of widows and improve their quality of life,” Adeyemo said.