Thousands of widows across Kogi State have thrown their weight behind the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, citing what they described as unprecedented support and empowerment programmes targeted at vulnerable women since he assumed office.
The endorsement was announced on Tuesday during a high-level press briefing ahead of the 2026 International Widows Day celebration, where the Kogi State Widows Programme Coordinator, Chief Ojone Ojatah, also formally appealed to the governor to personally attend and flag off activities marking this year’s observance.
Addressing journalists at the NUJ Press Centre in Lokoja, Ojatah said widows across the state were eager to receive Governor Ododo at the June 23 event as a demonstration of solidarity with one of society’s most vulnerable groups.
He noted that beyond seeking the governor’s presence, the widows were also endorsing the continuity of the Ododo administration in appreciation of its policies and interventions that have directly impacted their lives.
“Part of the primary purpose of this briefing is to convey the earnest desire of widows across the state to have His Excellency graciously lend his presence to the official flag-off of activities marking the 2026 International Widows Day. We also endorse the continuity of Governor Ododo’s administration,” Ojatah declared.
The widows’ coordinator praised Governor Ododo and the First Lady, Hajiya Sefinat Ododo, for what he described as their unwavering commitment to the welfare of widows in Kogi State.
According to him, the administration has recorded measurable achievements since May 2025, including quarterly food distribution programmes reaching over 20,000 widows across the state and sponsorship of more than ten empowerment initiatives designed to improve their economic wellbeing.
Ojatah said the interventions had restored hope to many widows who previously struggled with economic hardship, social exclusion and the burden of raising children alone after losing their spouses.
He stressed that widowhood remains one of the most difficult experiences a woman can face, often accompanied by financial insecurity, social isolation, did inheritance and exclusion from critical development policies.
Drawing from both Islamic and Christian teachings, he urged governments, religious institutions and communities to regard the welfare of widows not as charity but as a moral and societal obligation.
He cited provisions in the Holy Qur’an and the Bible that emphasise protection, justice and support for widows, insisting that every compassionate society must prioritize their welfare.
The coordinator also called on government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, private sector partners and other stakeholders to participate in the International Widows Day celebration.
According to him, their presence and support would help amplify advocacy for policies that promote human dignity, economic inclusion and social protection for widows.
“As we approach International Widows Day 2026, let us remember that a widow is not a burden. She is a builder of families, a custodian of values and a symbol of resilience,” he said.
International Widows Day is observed annually on June 23 to draw global attention to the challenges faced by widows and to promote policies aimed at improving their welfare and protecting their rights.
