A total of 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) an initiative of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON.
The support which is a total sum of Four hundred and twenty seven million, seven hundred and fifty thousand Naira N427.750 million, is part of the social investment programme 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, the First Lady stated that as wives of gallant soldiers, their path is not an easy one, filled with uncertainties.
She emphasized that the sacrifices of their breadwinners who have paid the ultimate price in the defence of the country must be rewarded with provision of adequate welfare.
While expressing hope that the intervention will offer some measure of relief to the beneficiaries, Senator Oluremi Tinubu called on other stakeholders to spare a thought for dependants of fallen soldiers.
“Under the Social Investment Program of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, we are here to empower 1,709 widows with the sum of N250,000 each. This will enable you to recapitalize an existing business or start a business of your choice to enable you care for your families. We recognize 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,” she said.
In a goodwill message, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa appreciated the First Lady and the Renewed Hope Initiative for the kind and thoughtful gesture, which he said, shows that the welfare of widows is a priority for her.
Represented by Major-General Danladi Salisu, the CDS noted that the financial support has brought renewed hope to the families of fallen heroes, and will consequently boost the morale of serving members of the Armed Forces.
President, Defence and Police Officers’ Wives’ Association and Wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, Oghogho Musa who received the donation on behalf of the beneficiaries, applauded the intervention, describing it as a much-needed relief for the beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries were drawn from the Nigeria Army Officers’ Wives’ Association (NAOWA), the Nigerian Navy Officers’ Wives’ Association (NOWA), the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives’ Association (NAFOWA), the Police Officers’ Wives’ Association (POWA) and the Defence Officers’ Wives’ Association (DEPOWA).
