In commemoration of the 2024 International Widow’s Day, the Akwa Ibom State First Lady, Pastor PATIENCE UMO ENO has celebrated and empowered some widows across the 31 Local Government Areas and non-governmental widow’s platforms in the State.

The maiden Widows Enhancement Programme organised by the pet project of the Governor’s Wife, Golden Initiative for All – GIFA, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House Uyo, where no fewer than 250 widows smiled home with cash and gift items.

The First Lady maintained that the International Widows Day is a reminder for everyone to identify and appreciate the widows for their contributions and value to the society.

Pastor PATIENCE ENO who thanked her husband, Governor UMO ENO for making it possible for every woman to be recognized in the state, said the event became expedient to raise awareness of the violation of human rights that widows suffer in many countries following the death of their spouses.

She frowned at various harmful widowhood practices and noted that Akwa Ibom State had long domesticated the Widowhood law of 2013 and VAPP law of 2020, warning that the law would catch up with anyone troubling widows in the state with outdated traditional practices.