A total of 1,709 widows and orphans of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces have received financial support of 250,000 Naira each courtesy of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), of Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
The support, which is in a total sum of 427,750,000, is part of the social investment program of the Renewed Hope Initiative, designed to advance the welfare of vulnerable groups in the country.
Presenting the relief package on Tuesday to the beneficiaries drawn from across the country, the First Lady said as wives of gallant soldiers, their path is not an easy one because it is filled with uncertainties.
She emphasized that the sacrifices of their breadwinners who have paid the supreme price in the defence of the country must be rewarded with provision of adequate welfare.
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More Support
While expressing hope that the intervention will offer some measure of relief to the beneficiaries, Mrs. Tinubu called on other stakeholders to always consider the dependents of fallen heroes.
Explaining why she waded into the matter, the First Lady said: “Under the Social Investment Program of the Renewed Hope Initiative, we are here to empower 1,709 widows with the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (N250, 000) each. This will enable you to recapitalize an existing business or start a business of your choice to enable you to 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 going 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.”
Priority
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 says shows that the welfare of widows is a priority for her.
Represented by Major-General Danladi Salisu, the defence Chief 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 beneficiaries applauded the intervention, describing it as a much-needed relief for the beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries were drawn from the Nigeria Army Officers Wives Association, the Nigeria Navy Officers Wives Association, the Nigeria Airforce Officers Wives Association, the Police Officers Wives Association, and the Defence Officers Wives Association.
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