Akakan Umoh
The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing programmes aimed at promoting the welfare and economic empowerment of vulnerable groups particularly the widows.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, who gave the assurance on Friday, June 26, during the 2026 International Widows’ Day celebration held at the Women Development Centre in Uyo, said this would be done through sustained collaboration with development partners and relevant stakeholders.
Speaking on the theme Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows, Mrs Etukudo acknowledged the numerous challenges confronting widows, noting that Governor Umo Eno administration has made the welfare of widows and other vulnerable groups a priority under its ARISE Agenda.
The Commissioner paid tribute to widows for their resilience, courage and determination in raising their families despite the loss of their spouses.
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According to her, the Governor approved and released ₦250 million to support widows of fallen military and paramilitary personnel who died in the line of duty.
Etukudo added that the administration also approved the construction of 150 lock-up shops to enhance the beneficiaries’ economic livelihoods.
She called on individuals, organisations and institutions to take concrete steps to ensure widows are protected, respected and empowered, while she guarantees their access to justice without discrimination.
The Commissioner commended the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Obareki, for her contributions to the advancement and empowerment of widows, women, children and other vulnerable groups within and beyond the state.
She further appreciated development partners, members of the Association of Wives of Local Governments Chairmen of Nigeria (WALGON) and other stakeholders for their collaboration with the ministry.
Earlier, the Director of Women Affairs Department, Mrs. Margaret Effiong, had described the event as an opportunity to celebrate widows while renewing collective commitment to promoting their dignity, rights and economic empowerment.
Mrs Effiong noted that supporting widows was not only a social responsibility but also a critical step towards building stronger families and communities, expressing optimism that the event would inspire lasting support for widows in Akwa Ibom State.
Delivering the keynote address, Human Resource Manager and Chartered Mediator and Conciliator, Dr. Rosalyn Essien, said International Widows’ Day was set aside to recognise the experiences, challenges, strength and resilience of widows around the world.
She stressed that justice, dignity and economic power were fundamental rights that should be enjoyed by all widows, lamenting that many still suffer inhumane treatment arising from harmful cultural practices.
Essien identified denial of inheritance rights, restricted access to family property, stigmatization and social isolation as some of the challenges confronting widows, and sought sustained advocacy and legal protection to eliminate such practices.
In separate goodwill messages, the Honorary Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilisation, Dr. Charity Ido, WALGON President, Mrs. Uwemedimo Udo, President of the Mary Slessor Akan-Glo Foundation, Dr. Glory Edet, as well as representatives of development partners including Sumadhe Energy Ltd., NNPCL E&P, V-CARE for Development Foundation, U&K Ltd. and Seyang Limited, commended the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare for organising the event and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting widows.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Deaconess Anthonia Edem of Onna Local Government Area thanked the Akwa Ibom Government for its continued support to widows.
She showered God’s blessings upon Governor Umo Eno and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Inibehe Etukudo, for their commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable persons.
