The First Lady of Cross River State, Eyoawan Otu, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting widows and orphans from harmful cultural and religious practices.
Represented by the Programme Manager of Humanity Without Borders, Mr Geoffrey Agamade, during this year’s International Widows’ Day event in Calabar, the First Lady condemned oppressive traditions and promised decisive government action to empower vulnerable women and children.
“Our administration is actively addressing the complex challenges faced by widows and orphans across the state,” she said. “It is unacceptable that in the name of culture or religion, widows continue to endure dehumanising treatment.”
She also revealed that a comprehensive database of widows has been developed to support targeted interventions aimed at fostering economic self-sufficiency.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Edema Irom, echoed these concerns, describing the continued exploitation of widows by “greedy and heartless in-laws” as a persistent injustice.
“We have legal frameworks in place to protect widows,” she noted. “What is needed now is stronger enforcement and sustained advocacy to ensure those rights are respected.”
Representatives from civil society groups commended the state government’s efforts and called for broader collaboration to eliminate widow abuse.
Mrs Uduak Spencer, President of the Unified Widows Foundation, thanked the First Lady for her longstanding support and highlighted programmes that have alleviated the suffering of widows and street children.
“We deeply appreciate the compassion and commitment shown by the governor and his wife,” she said.
Akpevwe Okuse of Her Voice Foundation emphasised the importance of amplifying marginalised voices and urged communities to unite in ending widow abuse.
In a goodwill message, Rev Mrs Grace Ekanem, a former Commissioner for Women Affairs and past President of the National Council of Women Soc ieties, called for expanded access to vocational training for widows to promote financial independence.
Other speakers, including Ndodeye Bassey of Girls Power Initiative and Roslyn Otu-Amgrafunu, stressed the need for multi-sectoral collaboration and strict legal enforcement to eliminate systemic exploitation.
The Cross River State chapter of the Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA) offered free legal counsel to widows and orphans denied their rights.
The chapter’s Chairperson, Affiong Onung, stated that the pro bono initiative aims to ensure vulnerable individuals have meaningful access to justice.
