Abstract
The book aims at providing an historical sketch of a widow, Late Madam Lucy Obot Akpabio- her marriage and widowhood travails, the challenges of raising children as a single parent and the imperative of filling the father-figure role as a woman. It also attempts to highlight the complex social relationship that arises from the absence of the natural defender of the nucleus family, the fears, faith and apprehensions that are brought to bear in the new social order and how she coped with the culture of usurpation, dis-inheritance that are inherent in our pattern of social behaviour. Apart from offering minimal chronological insight, the book is intended to serve as a motivational material and guide to widows. Late Madam Lucy Obot Akpabio is an inspirational thrust on which this inspirational material is anchored. As a widow, she raised a Son, who has weathered through the challenging crucibles of life to become the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State- A strategic state in Nigeria.
The Book is intended to therefore give hopes to other widows out there and their children. The Widows Compendium by Mkposong Stephen Asuquo is set to transcend culture, physical boundaries etc. It is cast in elevated prose and readable by all and sundry. It is designed to comfort both the widow and the widower. And since death is a universal constant, the book would be apt to any culture.
Finally, for lives that could serve as lessons, i am morally obligated to ensure that there are highlighted and brought to public arena to serve as the precepts there are. No man lights a lamp and puts it in a bushel. We must now and now, learn to beam the light of good examples for others to emulate.
As you go through this exemplary life, you will be bold to visualise how many widow's lives, she could give new hope. You will conjecture how many children, deprived via death of their father in earlyhood would be inspired by her achievement. One will quickly envision how many covetous and greedy in-laws would change their ways of lives towards families that have lost their bread winners. Bill CLINTON SHOOK HANDS WITH J. F. KENNEDY AS A CHILD AND STARTED DREAMING OF BECOMING AMERICAN PRESIDENT. The Widows Compendium therefore will give adequate encouragements to the widows with a faith joined with other faithfuls, that will nurture them into global leaders.
On this note, i enjoin you most respectfully to join me in giving hope to those that are in despair, giving faith to those that are inundated with fear and re-inventing in them a victorious spirit.
Please accept the assurances of my highest esteem.
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