Niger CAN Condemns “Sharing” of Widows, Advocates for Dignity and Empowerment

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, has issued a strong call for families to cease the practice of “sharing” widows among relatives, emphasizing that widows are not properties.

Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Yohanna, the Chairman of Niger State CAN and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, made this powerful appeal on Monday during his address for the International Day of Widows. Represented by his Deputy, Rev. Joshua Marcus, at an event organized by the Women Wing of CAN (WOWICAN), Yohanna admonished families to abandon the outdated practice of distributing widows among their late husband’s siblings.

A Plea for Dignity and Preparedness

Bishop Yohanna underscored the fundamental principle that widows are human beings deserving of dignity and respect. He urged relatives of deceased men to refrain from mistreating their brothers’ wives, instead encouraging them to provide support and opportunities that add value to their lives.

“It saddens my heart when I hear of cases where relatives are sharing the properties of a late person, and then include the wives,” Bishop Yohanna stated. “No, widows are not properties to be shared by relatives of their late husbands, but human beings who should be treated with dignity.”

Furthermore, he advised widows to prioritize self-reliance and productivity. He encouraged them to “prepare for the rainy days while their husbands were still alive,” stressing that such practices have outlived their relevance in today’s world. “I also urge the widows to be productive, self-reliant and focus on the children God has blessed you with. I call on you to engage in businesses if you are not working,” the CAN Chairman added.

Empowering Widows: Building Resilience, Restoring Dignity

Echoing this sentiment, Evang. Ladi Nuhu, the State Chairperson of WOWICAN, spoke on the theme “Empowering Widows: Building Resilience, Restoring Dignity.” She implored widows to deliberately pursue self-reliance and to channel their energy towards nurturing their children.

“We call on our widows to be deliberate about becoming self-reliant. We understand that you need some sort of support for your children, but this is the time to stand up for them and not to give up,” Nuhu urged.

In a show of solidarity, the Federation of Muslim Women in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Women in Dawah, and the Working with Widows Initiative also joined the call, urging widows to reject any perception of themselves as lesser women and instead focus on becoming better mothers. This collective voice from religious and women’s organizations highlights a growing commitment to advocating for the rights and empowerment of widows in Niger State and beyond.