In observance of the 2025 International Widows’ Day, Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Sir Somtochukwu Udeze, has restated the legislature’s commitment to upholding the rights of widows.
In a goodwill message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Madu, Udeze emphasised that the legislation outlawing widowhood practices and related violations remains valid and enforceable across Anambra.
He urged traditional rulers in the state to abolish harmful cultural norms, discriminatory laws, and degrading practices directed at widows within their communities.
“Widows deserve full enjoyment of their fundamental human rights. They are equal, valuable members of society and should be treated as such,” Udeze declared, while calling on all levels of government to step up advocacy, legal protections, and empowerment initiatives for widows.
He also encouraged other legislative bodies in the South-East geopolitical zone to work together on a regional legal framework to restore and uphold the rights of widows, noting that collective efforts are essential for lasting impact.
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In the message, the Speaker commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the First Lady, Mrs Nonye Soludo, for their consistent focus on women’s welfare, particularly in supporting widows, describing their actions as exemplary.
Udeze appealed to wealthy individuals and philanthropists to assist widows through direct interventions and empowerment programmes, while encouraging widows themselves to remain hopeful and resilient in the face of challenges.
“The time has come to end the ugly narratives of disinheritance, dehumanising burial rites, and other abuses widows face,” he said.
He further proposed the creation of a Widowhood Endowment Trust Fund as a long-term strategy to boost the economic security and general wellbeing of widows in the state.
