By Isaac Aqua, Guest Writer
In furtherance of her passion for the downtrodden and oppressed,Cross River first lady,Bishop (Mrs.) Eyoawan Otu, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to addressing the injustices faced by widows and orphans, especially those arising from harmful cultural and religious practices.
Speaking through the Programme Manager of Humanity Without Borders, Mr. Geoffrey Agamade, at the 2025 International Widows’ Day commemoration in Calabar, the First Lady assured participants that the government is implementing targeted mechanisms to combat societal discrimination and the economic exploitation of widows and orphans.
“Our state is working assiduously to mitigate the multifaceted challenges confronting vulnerable widows and orphans in Cross River,” she said.
“We cannot afford to remain aloof while widows are subjected to dehumanising treatments under the guise of cultural and religious practices.”
She explained that her strong focus on supporting widows and orphans aligns with her flagship initiative, Humanity Without Borders, which is committed to a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to improving the lives of vulnerable populations.
The initiative is built on five thematic pillars:
Promoting Good Health – Ensuring access to quality healthcare and overall well-being.
Ensuring Quality Education – Providing educational opportunities for growth and development.
Sustainable Livelihoods – Empowering individuals with skills and resources to achieve economic stability.
Social Welfare and Justice – Advocating for fair treatment and strengthening support systems for the vulnerable.
Environmental Sustainability and Agricultural Development – Promoting optimal use of the environment and embracing agriculture for food security and income generation.
The First Lady also disclosed that a dedicated database has been developed to guide and support intervention programmes, with a focus on enhancing self-reliance and job creation among widows across the state.
In her welcome remarks, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom, lamented the high level of neglect and deprivation suffered by widows and orphans, particularly at the hands of “greedy and heartless in-laws.”
She called for intensified public sensitization and the effective implementation of existing laws designed to protect their rights.
“Thankfully, we have laws specifically crafted to protect surviving spouses in the event of death. What remains is aggressive enforcement and sustained advocacy,” she emphasized.
Irom noted that International Widows’ Day, set aside by the United Nations in 2011 and observed globally every June 23, serves to amplify the voices of widows and their children, drawing critical attention to the challenges they face and the need for urgent action.
President of the Unified Widows Foundation, Mrs. Uduak Spencer, commended the First Lady’s unwavering commitment to the cause of widows, citing several economic empowerment programmes that have positively impacted the lives of vulnerable widows and street children in the state.
“We are deeply grateful to the Governor and his dear wife for their tremendous support and for prioritising the welfare of widows and vulnerable children,” she said.
Spencer went a step further to publicly endorse Governor Bassey Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, for a second term in office, citing the administration’s compassionate approach to governance and developmental strides across various sectors.
“In appreciation of the administration’s humane posture—particularly towards widows and vulnerable children—we are formally using this platform to endorse His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, and the Deputy Governor for re-election,” she declared.
“We want the ‘Season of Sweetness’—reflected in ongoing developments in infrastructure, education, security, agriculture, and employment—to continue. We will do our part by mobilizing effectively for the upcoming elections.”
Comments,Mrs. Archibonganwan Hogan of the UN Women Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) initiative said
“This year’s International Widows’ Day is organized by the UN GEWE Coordination Group and the Ministry of Women Affairs to honour the strength and resilience of widows as they raise families and contribute to society.
At GEWE, empowering widows is a key priority. We listen to their stories, amplify their voices, and work to address their challenges. This event reassures them that they are not alone—we are here to support and uplift them.
We also provide vital information, including access to legal support, to help them navigate life’s difficulties. Our message is clear: ‘You are not alone. We are here for you.’”
In her contribution, Ms. Akpevwe Okuse of Her Voice Foundation strongly condemned the ordeals faced by widows and orphans and emphasized the importance of a collective, society-wide effort to eliminate such inhuman practices.
“Our core mission is to amplify the voices of the vulnerable and to draw urgent attention to their plight. Only through unity can we bring an end to these entrenched injustices,” she stated.
In her goodwill message, a former Commissioner for Women Affairs and former National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Rev. Mrs. Grace Ekanem, called on the government to implement vocational training programmes to help widows achieve financial independence and long-term stability.
Other speakers, including Mr. Ndodeye Bassey, Programme Manager of Girls Power Initiative, and Mrs. Roslyn Otu-Amgrafunu, stressed the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration and the strict enforcement of existing legal frameworks to combat abuses against widows and orphans.
In a significant intervention, the Cross River State chapter of the Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA) offered free legal services to widows and orphans who have been unjustly denied inheritance or subjected to other legal injustices.
Speaking at the event, FIDA Chairperson, Affiong Onung, Esq., explained that the pro bono initiative is aimed at supporting financially disadvantaged individuals to access justice and assert their rights through legal means.
The 2025 International Widows’ Day celebration in Cross River State was themed “Orphans in Need” and was facilitated by UN Women.
Background:
The International Widows’ Day is observed globally on June 23 to raise awareness about the plight of widows who often face social exclusion, economic hardship, and cultural stigma. The day was established by the Loomba Foundation and officially recognized by the United Nations in 2010. It serves as a global platform to advocate for policies and actions that protect and empower widows, ensuring they live with dignity, security, and hope.