NGOs, Lawmakers Advocate for National Agency to Support Widows, Orphans

• A coalition of NGOs and lawmakers urged the federal government to create a national agency for supporting widows, orphans, and dependents
• The proposed agency aims to provide financial aid, legal support, vocational training, and medical care to vulnerable groups in Nigeria

A coalition of NGOs and lawmakers has urged the federal government to establish a national agency supporting Nigeria’s widows, orphans, and dependent persons.

This call was made while reviewing the revised draft of the “Bill for an Act to Establish an Agency for Widows, Dependent Children, and Orphans in Nigeria.”

The initiative, spearheaded by the Widows and Orphans Empowerment Organization (WEWE) with support from Women for Women International and funding from the Ford Foundation, received backing from the Office of the Chairperson of the Committee on Women in Parliament.

Speaking on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Deputy Chairperson of Women in Parliament, Hon. Blessing Amadi, highlighted the bill’s significance.

“This bill aims to create a National Agency for Public Assistance to Widows, Dependent Children, and Orphans. The agency will provide financial aid, legal support for property rights, vocational training, and subsidized medical care,” Amadi said.

She emphasized that the initiative is committed to reducing economic hardship and empowering vulnerable groups.

Hon. Zainab Gimba, a co-sponsor of the bill and member of the Borno House of Representatives, stressed the importance of legal protections for widows and orphans.

“For years, inheritance and property rights have left widows and orphans vulnerable to inhumane treatment. This agency is critical for addressing these injustices,” she said, adding that collaboration with stakeholders is key to ensuring the bill’s success.

Suzanne Theroux, U.S. CDC Acting Country Director, represented by Dr. Olufemi Oke, noted the urgency of the initiative.

“With over 15 million widows in Nigeria, there’s a pressing need for strong legal and institutional frameworks. These should focus on education, healthcare, housing, inheritance rights, and eliminating harmful practices,” Theroux stated.

The proposed agency is expected to support and protect these marginalized groups, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.