Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo
To protect and empower widows in Nigeria, the 9th National Assembly has been urged to criminalise intimidation and victimisation against them.
The Assembly was equally charged to implement policies that will eradicate dangerous traditional practices that relegate widows to the background and deprive them of a sense of belonging in their immediate communities
The wife of the Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Oyefunke Alabi, made the above remarks at Ikire, on Wednesday, while presenting gifts to hundreds of widows from Irewole Federal Constituency.
She posited that thousands of widows were being subjected to intimidation and victimization, thereby making it difficult to adequately cater for their children.
Mrs Alabi added that the gesture was in tandem with the essence of Easter celebration which, according to her, is the spirit of love.
In her words, “It is my great pleasure to play host again to this very important segment of our society, in the mood of Easter celebration, as a desirable forum for sober reflection on the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“As we have been doing every year to show love and identify with our mothers, who have lost their better half; we must as a matter of duty continue to give them a sense of belongings and cater for their needs, especially on special occasions of this nature.
“You will agree with me that the essence of the death of Jesus Christ for the purpose of mankind is LOVE, so, it is important to continue to show love to one another in the same way our Lord Jesus Christ did.
“However, the composition of modern society has been so hostile to some widows, coupled with dangerous traditional practices, most especially in Africa, in which women were subjected to hardship and maltreatment after the death of their husbands.
“I am therefore urging the 9th National Assembly to come up with legislation to criminalize intimidation and victimization of widows. We should all agree that the more widows are protected and empowered, the better for our society.
“In conclusion, I will like to appreciate my husband, Mr. Benedict Alabi, for his huge support towards this programme over the years, as I pray for greater success of the Governor Adegboyega Oyetola-led Administration.”