Widows Are Not Inheritable Property
Widows Are Not Inheritable Property, CAN Chairman Declares
Minna, Nigeria. …ONN…
The Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. Bulus Yohanna, has strongly denounced the cultural practice of treating widows as property to be inherited by relatives of deceased husbands, calling for greater respect and dignity for bereaved women.
Speaking during the 2025 International Widows’ Day commemoration in Minna, Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, expressed concern over the persistent stigmatization and mistreatment of widows in some communities.
Represented by his deputy, Rev. Joshua Marcus, the CAN Chairman lamented that widows continue to suffer dehumanizing treatment under outdated customs.
“It saddens my heart when I hear of cases where relatives share not only the property of deceased individuals but also their wives,” he said.
“Widows are not property to be inherited but human beings who should be treated with dignity.”
Yohanna urged families to desist from actions that worsen the trauma of widowhood and instead provide emotional and economic support to help widows rebuild their lives. He also encouraged widows to pursue self-reliance and entrepreneurship where possible.
“I urge our widows to be productive, self-reliant, and to engage in meaningful businesses if they are not employed. They should focus on raising the children God has blessed them with,” he added.
In her remarks, the State Chairperson of the CAN Women Wing, Mrs. Ladi Nuhu, called on widows to remain resilient and intentional in forging better lives for themselves and their families.
Speaking on the theme, “Empowering Widows: Building Resilience, Restoring Dignity,” Nuhu emphasized the importance of faith, self-reliance, and perseverance.
“This is the time to stand strong and not give up,” she said, citing Isaiah 54:5-6 as a source of spiritual encouragement.
“Widows have a special place in the heart of God.”
The event also featured the distribution of care packages, containing food items, toiletries, and cash assistance, to widows drawn from various CAN blocs and affiliated organizations across the state.
NAN
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