Write Your Wills, Wives of governors advise spouses

Wives of South East and South governors have called on spouses to write wills, stating how their property  should be shared in the event of death.

The wives of the governors, made the call in a communiqué issued after the first National Widowhood Summit, held in Uyo from July 15 to July 16.

The communique was signed by the wife of the Cross River Governor and facilitator of the summit, Mrs Obioma Imoke.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit was held to commemorate the 2013 Widows Day.

The theme of the summit is: 'Louder Please!: A Call for Increased Advocacy Action and Interventions on Widows Rights in Nigeria'.

The communiqué said that men should make effort to update their employment, insurance and other relevant records to reflect their spouse as next of kins.

The governors’ wives also appealed to government to formulate a policy on widowhood rights.

They said that the legislative arm of government needed to review current laws protecting widows.

'Our traditional rulers as the custodians of our culture need to review all traditional practices that subject widows to indignities.

'Laws should be made to protect the rights of widows. The laws should criminalise all forms of unhealthy and abusive practices against widows in the country.

'Communities should continue to promote those values that encourage the care of the less-privileged and the vulnerable, including widows.'

The communiqué said that opportunities should be provided for widows to acquire skills in vocations that guaranteed their employment and income generation.

It said that there was need for massive enlightenment of stakeholders on harmful cultural practices and the need to address such practices.

'The enlightenment programme should be a collaborative effort between the office of the wife of the governor, ministry of women affairs, Houses of Assembly, civil society organisations, churches and traditional institutions.

'There is need for more research to gain information and data to give increased visibility to widowhood issues in Nigeria.

'All states of the federation should ensure that bills protecting the rights of widows are passed and enforced accordingly.'

The communiqué said that states should ensure the provision of legal aid to assist widows and creation of widows’ welfare funds.

'Widows should be encouraged to form cooperatives and networks at both local and state levels as such networks provide opportunities for peer learning, mentorship and advocacy,' it added. (NAN)