Widows Are Not Inheritable Property, Says CAN Chairman

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Dr. Bulus Yohanna, has denounced the cultural practice of treating widows as property to be inherited by relatives of their late husbands.

Speaking in Minna during the 2025 International Widows’ Day event organized by the Women Wing of CAN, Yohanna — represented by his deputy, Rev. Joshua Marcus — emphasized the need to uphold the dignity and humanity of widows.

“It saddens my heart when I hear of cases where relatives share not only the property of the deceased but also their wives,” he said. “Widows are not property to be inherited; they are human beings who deserve to be treated with dignity.”

He urged families of deceased men to abandon practices that compound widows’ grief, calling instead for support, compassion, and empowerment.

Dr. Yohanna also encouraged widows to be self-reliant and committed to raising their children with purpose and faith. “If not formally employed, they should engage in meaningful businesses and focus on the children God has blessed them with,” he advised.

In her remarks, the State Chairperson of the CAN Women Wing, Mrs. Ladi Nuhu, called on widows to stay resilient and determined to build better lives for themselves and their families.

Addressing the theme, “Empowering Widows: Building Resilience, Restoring Dignity,” she reminded them of God’s care, citing Isaiah 54:5–6, and urged them to remain hopeful and self-sufficient.

The event featured the distribution of care packages — including salt, seasoning, detergent, and cash — to selected widows from CAN blocs and affiliated organisations across the state.