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Wife of the Oyo governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde has bemoaned the challenges faced by widows, calling on well-meaning Nigerians to be keen on defending the rights of widows.

Coupled with cultural norms that sometimes constrain widows from their rightful inheritance, she lamented that widow constantly faced challenges that make it difficult for them to rebuild their lives after the death of their spouses.

Speaking at an event held at the Oyo Government House, Ibadan, on Tuesday, to commemorate the 2023 International Widows Day, Makinde said widows cannot afford to be weighed down by the challenges, but should take control of their lives by improving themselves.

To take control of their lives, Makinde admonished widows to acquire and optimize simple technological, computer, mobile phone application skills to make a living for themselves.

She noted that harnessing the power of technology and computer literacy would create more inclusive society for all, break down gender barriers, promote gender equality and solutions to help widows to overcome their challenges.

On its part, Makinde said the state government planned to enhance women and widows’ computer literacy through training programmes such as basic computer skills, showing them how to use the POS machine and e-payment platform.

She said: “Widows face many challenges including economic vulnerability, social exclusion, and loss of inheritance rights. These challenges make it difficult for them to rebuild their lives after the death of their spouses.

“The government has prioritized widows’ welfare by creating an enabling environment for widows to thrive. We constantly seek innovative solutions to help widows overcome their challenges. Over the past four years, my office and the state government have made welfare of widows in the 33 local government areas a priority by supporting their children with JAMB fees and study materials, financial aid, foodstuff and empowerment items.

“We are committed to empowering widows and constantly seeking innovative solutions to help them overcome their challenges and enable them lead better lives.

“In line with the 2023 theme, we plan to enhance women and widows computer literacy through training programmes such as basic computer skills, show them how to use the POS machine and e-payment platform.

“This training will enable them to conduct transactions effectively, keep track of their money and avoid fraud.

“Computer literacy and digital platform can provide widows access to education, healthcare, and financial resources.

“In fact, computer literacy can enable widows have access to legal service information which can help them to protect their inheritance and property rights.

“Let us defend the rights of widows although in Nigeria, cultural norms sometimes constrain widows from their rightful inheritance.

“By harnessing the power of technology and computer literacy, we can help to create more inclusive society for all, break down gender barriers, promote gender equality and solutions to help widows to overcome their challenges.

“I want to encourage all widows in Oyo State to take control of their lives by living to improve themselves by acquiring simple technological skills, basic computer skills and mobile phone transaction application skills.

“Although I understand the stress you may be experiencing, you can rise above your suffering by constantly improving yourself, take advantage of the digital platforms and technologies available to you to improve your businesses, forge financial independence and charge forward with renewed hope as a strong woman you are for I have hope in you.”

The commemorative event saw Makinde hand out food items to widows from the 33 local government areas of the State.

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