Through The Fire… Seeking solution to widows’ plight

Wife of Kebbi State governor, Dr. Zainab Atiku Bagudu, has described the launch of a book Through The Fire as a milestone in addressing the plights of widows. She said the book would push up dialogue on a matter that affects every home.

The book, written by a non-governmental organization, Addo Project, was written to create awareness on the plight of widows in Nigeria. The event was well attended by advocacy groups, government representatives, widows and other stakeholders.

Bagudu, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to Kebbi State governor on New Media, Mrs. Aisha Augie-Kuta, commended the group and described the launch as a great initiative. She expressed the hope to see more projects that seek to uplift the lives of widows and champion their issues.

Earlier, the book reviewer and Chief Executive Officer, Risk Watch Insurance Brokers, Mrs. Omorinsojo Desalu, described Through The Fire as a book that opens the eyes to what is happening to widows in society. According to her, the book records the moving stories of 31 widows who literally went through fire after the death of their husbands.

Desalu showed that culture, religion, inequality and finance are some of the major challenges widows faced in the country.

The book reviewer also disclosed that about 80 per cent of Nigerian men prefer to have other relatives, as next of kin instead of their wives. She, therefore, advised men to put their house in order, noting that reading the book would answer the question of what dying interstate means.

Desalu also pointed out that part of the challenges facing widows is their reintegration into society after the demise of their husbands. She noted that such women often find it difficult as many other women fear they may snatch their husbands.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bestman Games Ltd, Mrs Nimi Akinkugbe, advised widows to avoid making drastic decisions immediately after their husbands’ demise. She noted that most decisions made at such period are more harmful than helpful.

She also tasked widows to be cautious of relying on others for financial advice. Akinkugbe urged them to take immediate steps after such an unfortunate event to secure their husbands’ important documents such as banks statements and landed properties’ documents to guard against theft, dispossession and forceful takeover by their husbands’ relatives.

Speaking from a man’s perspective, Managing Director, The Beat 99.9 FM, Mr. Chris Ubosi, said one thing that runs through the whole book is the widows’ unshakeable faith in God. He enjoined men to allow their wives to work, saying it would allow the women to contribute to the financial stability of the home and also shore up their sense of dignity and respect.

Ubosi also charged the men to ensure that their families are religiously grounded to ensure the product of such homes are God-fearing.

The book was later unveiled by Former Secretary to Lagos State Government and Head of Service, Prof. Aba Omotunde Sagoe, Principal Partner, Jackson Etti and Mrs. Norma Jackson-Steele.

Addo Project gave out free books to seven non-profit organisations for widows as a way of giving them hope and encouragement.