Widowhood Deserves Dignity, Support — Anambra First Lady Nonye Soludo

Nonye Soludo

The wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has described widowhood as a cause worthy of support, rather than a curse.

She also called for concerted efforts to support and empower widows in society.

Dr. Soludo, who is the founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, made this call in a statement on Monday in Awka, to mark the 2025 International Widows’ Day. This year’s theme is “Empower Her: From Loss to Leadership.”

International Widows’ Day, commemorated every year on June 23, seeks to examine the issues affecting widows across the globe and to determine the necessary steps for safeguarding and advancing their rights.

In her message, the governor’s wife lamented that in many cultures, widows continue to face stigmatization, isolation, economic hardship, social exclusion, and a lack of financial independence. She emphasized the need to raise awareness about the unique challenges widows face and to offer both compassion and practical assistance.

“Widows are no less human than anyone else. They have the same rights as every other person. We must treat these remarkable individuals with dignity, compassion, and respect,” she said.

“Being a widow should never equate to a loss of dignity, respect, or basic human rights.

“A society that still subjects widows to socio-cultural harm is living in complete barbarism. Losing one’s spouse is already enough pain.

“Together, let us build a society that sees widowhood as a cause, not a curse. Empower that poor widow around you today,” Soludo urged.