By Catherine Egwuom
Dr Bolarinwa Omotosho, President of Anchor Humanitarian Care and Social Medical Initiative (AHCSMI), has advised widows to seek redress through government agencies whenever they faced injustice.
Omotosho gave the advice on Tuesday at a World Widows Day 2026 Summit held at the Widows Centre, Maryland Bus Stop, Lagos.
The summit was organised by Serendipity House Widows Foundation in partnership with AHCSMI to commemorate World Widows Day.
He said challenges faced by many widows across Africa often exposed them to emotional trauma and mental health problems.
According to him, some widows lose access to their husbands’ estates, dignity and justice, leading to severe psychological distress.
Omotosho cautioned widows against risking their lives in disputes over property, urging them to pursue justice through lawful channels.
He advised widows to seek assistance from the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency and the Office of the Public Defender.
The AHCSMI president said the organisation had spent 25 years propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ and five years providing humanitarian services.
Also speaking, Dr Priscillia Omotosho, AHCSMI Matron, said a personal relationship with God could help widows overcome life’s challenges.
She urged widows to maintain their dignity and self-respect in spite of lossing their spouses.
Speaking on “Dignity and Economic Power: The African Perspective”, she encouraged widows to acquire skills, remain resourceful and save for the future.
She also advised them to protect their children, uphold moral values and remain committed to humanitarian and religious service.
The matron urged widows not to allow their circumstances define them, citing biblical figures such as Naomi, Anna and Abigail as examples.
Mr Michael Olorunmola, s Pastor and Founder of Jetam Global Outreach, called on governments to improve welfare programmes for widows.
He also encouraged widows to draw closer to God, assuring them of continued support through faith-based initiatives.
Also, the Founder of Serendipity House Widows Foundation, Mrs Yemisi Jaiyeola, advised widows to shun self pity and embrace self development.
Jaiyeola said her NGO had started empowering and celebrated widows for 17 years in honour of her late husband, before the United Nations initiated World Widows
Day.
She noted that widows could be successful, regardless of their challenges.
NAN reports that AHCSMI donated 30 copies of the Expositor’s Bible to widows as part of activities marking World Widows Day 2026.
World Widows Day is a global awareness day observed annually on June 23, initiated by the Loomba Foundation and recognised by the United Nations in 2011.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu