Christian leaders in Nigeria are renewing calls for greater protection, dignity and practical support for widows, particularly those facing poverty, discrimination, exploitation and the effects of violence within their communities.
The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), in its message marking International Widows’ Day on June 23, 2026, called on churches, government institutions and civil society organisations to strengthen programmes that support vulnerable women.
The Council’s General Secretary, Rt. Rev. Evans Onyemara, emphasised the Church’s responsibility to defend the rights of widows and provide practical assistance that promotes independence and hope.
The Council also encouraged churches to establish and expand initiatives offering emotional support, skills development, economic empowerment and social inclusion. It highlighted the need to protect widows against property dispossession, discrimination, exploitation and harmful cultural practices.
These concerns are particularly significant in communities affected by insecurity and violence, where women who lose their husbands may also face financial hardship and the additional responsibility of caring for their children.
The Council’s appeal reinforces the biblical responsibility of Christians to care for vulnerable people, as emphasised in James 1:27, which highlights the importance of looking after widows and orphans in their distress.
