Anambra Assembly Speaker Udeze Demands End to Widowhood Abuses, Champions Regional Rights Law for Widows

 

As countries around the globe mark the 2025 International Widows’ Day, a powerful message has emerged from Nigeria’s South-East. The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sir Somtochukwu Udeze, has taken a bold stand in defense of the dignity, rights, and welfare of widows.

Delivering a message of hope and legislative backing, Speaker Udeze reminded the public that Anambra has a functional law that criminalizes widowhood practices that are harmful or degrading. He declared that this legal framework remains robust and enforceable, serving as a shield against acts of cruelty often veiled as tradition.

Traditional rulers, community heads, and custodians of culture across Anambra received a direct appeal from the Speaker. He challenged them to lead the way in dismantling outdated customs that marginalize widows. Harmful widowhood rites, discriminatory inheritance laws, and practices that treat women as second-class citizens following the death of their husbands must, he said, be relegated to history.

"Every widow deserves the full enjoyment of her rights as a human being. They are not less than any other member of society. Our laws support their dignity, and our conscience must uphold it," Udeze stressed through a message conveyed by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Madu.

Advocacy, empowerment, and structural reform were dominant themes throughout his message. Udeze called on all levels of government in Nigeria to invest in widow protection policies and programs. He emphasized the need for sustained advocacy efforts and social protection frameworks that uplift, rather than stigmatize, widows.

Calling for regional collaboration, the Speaker proposed that Houses of Assembly across the South-East should unite to create a harmonized legislative approach that would secure widowhood rights across all states in the zone. He believes a collective voice can trigger real, enduring change in the way society treats women who have lost their spouses.

A significant part of his message was dedicated to acknowledging leadership that has shown compassion toward women’s issues. He offered commendations to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the First Lady, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, for their dedication to women’s welfare and their visible commitment to supporting widows. According to Udeze, the administration’s actions represent a blueprint that others in the federation would do well to follow.

Beyond institutional measures, the Speaker turned attention to individuals of influence and means. He encouraged philanthropists, corporate organizations, and community benefactors to step into the gap and support widows through direct empowerment. Initiatives that provide skills training, business grants, housing support, and legal aid could dramatically alter the life trajectory of countless widows currently struggling in silence.

The call to widows themselves was one of resilience. Speaker Udeze urged them to keep faith, assuring that the state stands by them. He acknowledged their pain but reminded them of their strength, assuring them that they are not forgotten.

A visionary proposal was also shared during his statement. Udeze suggested the creation of a Widowhood Endowment Trust Fund. This fund, he said, would serve as a sustainable model for ensuring the economic and social welfare of widows throughout Anambra. Designed to provide long-term support, the fund would reduce dependence and restore dignity by offering access to education for their children, microloans for entrepreneurship, and emergency assistance when needed.

Tying his message back to the global significance of International Widows’ Day, the Speaker highlighted the importance of using such occasions not just to sympathize but to act. He said society must confront the injustices still meted out to widows and take decisive steps to protect their rights.

Speaker Udeze’s message is a resounding reminder that justice must reach the most vulnerable. His words cut through the silence that often surrounds widowhood in Nigeria and beyond. As legislative halls echo with calls for reforms and communities are urged to abandon harmful customs, the day may not be far when widows will walk tall, protected not just by laws but by a culture of empathy and respect.