A Nigerian lawyer and government official, Emem Ette, has urged a widow to consider remarriage, sharing her personal experience as inspiration.
Ette, who heads the Gender-Based Violence Response Department at the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice, made the statement in a Facebook post on Thursday, April 17.
The lawyer revealed she lost her husband at the age of 38 and remarried at 45 while raising six children.
“I was widowed at 38…remarried at 45 with my six children,” she wrote. “I now have a beautiful marriage and the best of husbands. God used him to comfort and hold me.”
Her comments came in response to social media backlash faced by a young widow who asked if it was acceptable to remarry.
Ette criticised women who told the widow to “rest” instead of supporting her decision to find love again.
“To the young widow, if you see husband, by all means remarry,” Ette wrote. “Don’t listen to people who haven’t lost a husband before.”
She also praised her current husband, Gabriel Ette, for his love and support, describing him as “one God used to console” her.
“Anywhere you see Gabriel Ette, give him a thumbs up,” she added.
The female lawyer, Ette emphasised that choosing to remain a widow or choosing remarriage is also a valid decision and acknowledged God’s care for widows.
“Whether you remarry or stay single, God still cares for widows,” she said.
The lawyer’s post has sparked conversations online, with many applauding her openness and strength.
Ette’s story highlights the challenges faced by widows in society and the courage it takes to move forward.
By sharing her journey, the lawyer hopes to empower other widows to make choices that bring them peace and happiness.
