The Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu through her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiatives has donated cash to the widows and orphans of fallen heroes at the Armed Forces Officers Mess, Lungi Barracks, Abuja.
In her remarks during the occasion, the First Lady salutes the strength, resilience and sacrifices made to our dear country by the fallen heroes.
She said “under the Social Investment Programmes of the Renewed Hope Initiatives ( RHI), we are here to empower 1,709 Widows with the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira each.
The cash, she said will be utilised in existing businesses or to start a new business of choice to care for the families.
She commended the windows for showing extraordinary courage in the face of adversaries.
She added that “we have come together not to only remember the sacrifices made by our husbands and fathers, but also to provide support and opportunities to all those who have endured so much.”
Similarly, she said, “The path of a military wife is not an easy one, it is a journey built with uncertainties and sacrifices.”
She thanked the DEPOWA President, Mrs Oghogho Musa and wives of the Service Chiefs and Inspector General of Police for their support since the commencement of her husband’s tenure as the President.
The total money donated is about Four Hundred and Twenty Seven Million Naira.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher l Musa, represented by the Director of Veteran Affairs, Defence Headquarters, Major General Dahiru Salihu appreciated the thoughtful gesture towards the fallen heroes and families.
According to him, “This will renew the hopes for the families of our fallen heroes to show that their sacrifices are not in vain.
He equally noted that it would boost the morale of the serving members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). The CDS assured the First Lady of the AFN of continued support to the RHI.
In her speech, the National President of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) Mrs Oghogho Musa said “The gesture is coming at this time of the year to express love, peace and joy, having gone through the rigours of the year.
The projects she noted include; Agriculture, Health, Education, Social Investment and Economic Empowerment.
The DEPOWA President said Her Excellency’s passion and succour for the less privileged is inspiring and worthy of emulation, while also appreciating the tremendous support DEPOWA is receiving from the First Lady.
She pledged DEPOWA unalloyed support to the RHI whenever called upon.
Highlights of the event include the presentation of cheques to beneficiaries and the opening of an instant account for interested widows and orphans.
Dominica Nwabufo
