By Prosper Mene
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Bulus Yohanna, has strongly condemned the cultural practice of treating widows as property to be inherited by relatives of their deceased husbands. Speaking at an event marking International Widows Day, Yohanna described the practice as dehumanizing and called for its immediate end.
“It saddens my heart when I hear of cases where relatives share not only the property of deceased individuals but also their wives. Widows are not property to be shared by the relatives of their husbands but human beings who should be treated with dignity,” Yohanna stated. He emphasized that widows deserve respect and support, urging families to refrain from actions that further traumatize them during their period of grief.
Under the theme “Empowering Widows: Building Resilience, Restoring Dignity,” the CAN chairman encouraged widows to embrace self-reliance and focus on raising their children with purpose. He also referenced Isaiah 54:5–6, showcasing that widows hold a special place in God’s heart and should draw strength from their faith.
Yohanna’s remarks have ignited conversations across social media, with many praising his stance against outdated traditions that undermine women’s rights. The call to action aligns with ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and protect vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
The CAN chairman’s message is a reminder to communities to uphold the dignity of widows and support their journey toward resilience and independence.
