NEWS
Abia to Empower Over 600 Indigent Widows as State Marks 2026 Widows’ Day Today
The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and economic empowerment of vulnerable women with the announcement of activities to commemorate the 2026 Widows’ Day, an initiative aimed at promoting dignity, justice and sustainable livelihoods for widows across the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced that the State Government, through the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, will commemorate the 2026 Widows’ Day on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the JAAC Secretariat. The event will be held under the theme: “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows.”
Prince Okey Kanu disclosed this while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, on Monday, August 3, 2026, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
He explained that the annual observance underscores the administration’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society by implementing programmes that improve their economic wellbeing and social inclusion.
According to the Commissioner, the programme is strategically designed to provide direct economic support to vulnerable widows, strengthen household resilience, promote dignity, inclusion and economic participation while advancing the state’s social protection objectives.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the Alex Otti administration’s broader vision of building an inclusive society where vulnerable citizens are empowered with the resources and opportunities needed to become economically self-reliant and productive.
The highlight of this year’s celebration will be the presentation of financial support to hundreds of widows across the state to enable them to establish or expand small businesses and improve their means of livelihood.
“Over 600 indigent widows will receive special business support grants from the Wife of the Governor as part of activities marking this year’s celebration,“ he disclosed.
The 2026 Widows’ Day celebration is expected to bring together government officials, development partners, women’s groups, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to reaffirm the state’s commitment to protecting the rights and improving the living conditions of widows through targeted social protectio
n interventions.