The Federal Capital Territory Administration has reiterated its commitment to ending negligence, torture and stigmatisation of widows in the territory.

Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, gave the assurance in Abuja on Tuesday, at an event organised to commemorate the 2024 International Widows Day.

The theme of the event – “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality,” was geared towards strengthening widow’s land and property rights.

The FCTA Women Secretariat also distributed food items, wrappers, detergents and cash to over 300 widows.

The food items included cooking oil, rice, and semovita.

Ms Benjamins-Laniyi said that the Women Affairs Secretariat was a deliberate and strategic hub, established to take care of vulnerable people, including widows.

She said, “Today, we rise with one voice to say “no” to negligence, torture and stigmatisation of widows in the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria at large. We assured that the current administration is committed to ending violence against widows and their children, and promoting poverty alleviation, education and other support to widows.

“The FCT Administration under the watch of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, is poised to identify vulnerable people in our society with a view to alleviating their suffering.’’

The gesture, according to her, is in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who is bent on giving hope to the hopeless, and putting smiles on the faces of the vulnerable.

“Losing a dear husband is a traumatic experience that no sane woman would want to have. Widowhood is caused by many factors including disease, poverty, war, accident, negligence and sometimes hatred, which always culminates in the death of a dear husband. For many women around the world, the devastating loss of a husband is always characterised by negligence and long-term fight for their basic rights and dignity,” she said.

She argued that widows have historically been left unsupported in the various spectrums of society.

She added that experiences from different cultural backgrounds showed that widows were often denied inheritance rights, while others had their property grabbed after the death of a husband.

“This in the long run, usually leads to extreme stigma and discrimination. It is, therefore, important to note that empowering widows to support themselves and their families also means addressing social stigmas that create exclusion, discrimination or harmful practices,” the mandate secretary said.

The Permanent Secretary in the secretariat, Kolawale Adetoyi, explained that the palliative support was a means to appreciate and show respect for widows.

Mr Adetoyi said that the FCTA would continue to empower and uplift widows to overcome the obstacles they faced.

He said, “We will continue to give them the necessary support to thrive and together. We can create an equitable society for all.’’

One of the beneficiaries, Mary Peter, who lost her husband 18 years ago, thanked the FCTA and the First Lady for the food support.

The widow, a resident of Kado Fish Market, described the support as lifesaving.

Another widow, physically challenged and mother of six, Salamatu Jibrin, also appreciated the FCTA for the support, saying “this will go a long way in feeding my children.’’

(NAN)