Create special agency to support widows and dependent children – foundation urges government.

The Oko Opo Widows Foundation has urged the Federal Government and state governments across Nigeria to set up a dedicated agency or special unit to tackle the growing socio‑economic challenges faced by widows and their dependent children.

The appeal was made on Tuesday in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, by the foundation’s promoter, Ambassador Babatunde Adeyemo, as part of the celebrations for this year’s International Widows Day.

Adeyemo said that a government‑backed platform focused specifically on widows would enable coordinated interventions and long‑term support for the millions of women who have lost their spouses and are often left to care for their children without sufficient assistance.

He argued that governments at the federal, state and local levels should create a special body to address the needs of widows through programmes centred on economic empowerment, access to healthcare, education for dependent children, legal protection and social welfare.

Adeyemo noted that many widows continue to suffer discrimination, poverty and neglect despite their contributions to society.

The foundation explained that the appeal was timely in light of the annual observance of International Widows Day on June 23, a United Nations‑recognised event established to draw global attention to the poverty, discrimination and injustice experienced by widows and their dependents.

He stressed that deliberate policies are required to improve their quality of life and restore their dignity.

The foundation called on governments, corporate organisations and well‑meaning Nigerians to collaborate in creating lasting structures that will protect widows and secure a brighter future for their dependent children.