The wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting widows and the less privileged across the state.

Makinde, while reflecting on challenges faced by widows, celebrated their courage and resilience in the face of those challenges.

Speaking in Ibadan at a programme with the theme “Accelerating the Achievements of Gender Equality for Widows,” to commemorate this year’s International Widows Day, Makinde lamented that widows in the society have been facing stigma, economic hardship, harmful traditional practices, while some of them have even been denied their inheritance.

She was represented by the lawmaker representing Ogbomosho North Constituency 1 at the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Bisi Oluranti.

The governor’s wife, at the event, also distributed food items, cash, and other items to widows in the state.

She said, “This year’s theme is calling on us to do more than just acknowledge these challenges, but rather transform our sympathy into services, and our concern into concrete action. Widowhood should not be a sentence of suffering.”

She said, “Widows often bear the weight of profound loss. You not only lose your life partners but, at times, you also lose your security, social status, and hope for the future. Yet, despite these hardships, many of you stand as pillars of strength within your families and communities.

“You are mothers, caretakers, entrepreneurs, leaders, and I salute your courage in the face of adversity.

“For us to accelerate the achievement of gender equality for widows in line with this year’s theme, all of us, including civil society, religious leaders, and families, must work together in creating supportive environments for widows.

“We must ensure widows have access to legal protections, economic empowerment programmes, healthcare services, and psycho-social support. We must also challenge the cultural norms that discriminate against widows and ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.

“To all the widows here today, your pain is acknowledged and your strength is celebrated. This day belongs to you, not as a reminder of loss, but as a celebration of your courage and promise of continued support.”