First Lady’s NGO Doles Out N422.75m to 1,709 Widows, Orphans of Fallen Heroes

•Lauds their resilience, sacrifices

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

No fewer than 1,709 widows and orphans of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces have received financial support of N250,000 each courtesy of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

The support, the total sum of which stood at N427. 75 million, was part of the social investment program of the RHI designed to advance the welfare of vulnerable groups in the country.

Presenting the relief package to the beneficiaries drawn from across the country yesterday in Abuja, Mrs Tinubu said the path of the wives of gallant soldiers was an uneasy one, filled with uncertainties.

She emphasised that the sacrifices of their breadwinners who paid the ultimate price in the defence of the country must be rewarded with the provision of adequate welfare.

While expressing hope that the intervention would offer some measure of relief to the beneficiaries, the First Lady called on other stakeholders to spare a thought for dependants of fallen soldiers.

According to her: “Under the Social Investment Program of the Renewed Hope Initiative, we are here to empower 1,709 widows with the sum of N250,000 each.

This will enable you to recapitalise an existing business or start a business of your choice to enable you care for your families. We recognise that widows are not victims; they are survivors.

“You have shown extraordinary courage in the face of adversity, and we are here to offer a helping hand as you chart a new path forward. Some of you have been widows for some time while some of you have just been widowed and we hope that the older widows will give emotional support to the younger ones.”

Earlier in a goodwill message, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, appreciated the First Lady and the RHI for the kind and thoughtful gesture, which he said showed that the welfare of widows is a priority for her.

Represented by Major-General Danladi Salisu, the CDS noted that the financial support brought renewed hope to the families of fallen heroes, and would consequently boost the morale of serving members of the Armed Forces.

On her part, President of Defence and Police Officers Wives Association and Wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, Oghogho Musa, who received the donation on behalf of beneficiaries applauded the intervention, described it as a much-needed relief for the beneficiaries.

Beeneficiaries were drawn from the Nigeria Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), the Nigerian Navy Officers Wives Association (NOWA), the Nigerian Navy Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA), Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) and the Defence Officers Wives association (DEPOWA).