In every society, there are women of all ages whose husbands are late. They constitute
a significant component of every country’s population. Widows’ welfare, conditions of
living and treatment vary from one society to another.
Available statistics indicate that Nigeria has over eight million disadvantaged widows
with over 21 million children. This statistics appear to be on the increase due to
prevalence of crisis, terminal ailments, crimes, religion and politics.
On the African continent, particularly Nigeria, widows face seemingly
insurmountable challenges. In some Nigerian cultures, shaving of the widows’ hairs
opens the door for more troubles for the unfortunate woman as soon as the death of
her husband is announced.
In most parts, widows are deprived from benefiting from inheritance of their late
husbands, especially with the absence of a will. There have been sufficient instances
of deprivation attempts and fights, even when the husbands left a will.

Other sundry challenges widows face in our society range from traditional,
economic, emotional and mental to spiritual problems. They also have difficulties
engaging in social interaction, and poor housing, to mention a few. These travails, in
most cases, make it practically impossible for the widows to have good life.

More so, in certain societies, sanctions are placed on the widows, which make it
difficult for them to express their opinions on issues, including on the issues affecting
them directly or their children.

Having almost nothing left to themselves, many widows find solace in petty trading
due to inability to obtain sufficient capital to venture into reasonably lucrative
businesses that would sufficiently take care of them and their children, who usually
suffer malnutrition, are prone to diseases, and in most cases, unable to go to school.

It is therefore incumbent on governments at all levels, non-governmental
organizations, institutions and individuals to stand up in order to tame these
challenges and make life worth-living for widows in Africa, in general and Nigeria, in
particular. Worried by plight of the Nigerian widow, Ernest Bebenimibo
Foundation (EBF)has tailored its activities and programmes with a view to, not only
catering for the needy, but most importantly, ameliorating widows’ sufferings.