Nigerian First Lady commends resilience, sacrifices of widows and orphans of Armed Forces

*The Renewed Hope Initiative, an initiative of First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, supports 1,709 widows and orphans of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces with N422.750 million

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

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 First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, CON.

Busola Kukoyi, Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady Tuesday, November 14, 2023, stated the N427,750,000 support to them is part of the social investment programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

The statement noted the RHI was designed to advance the welfare of vulnerable groups in the country.

Presenting the relief package to the beneficiaries drawn from across the country, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said as wives of gallant soldiers, their path is not an easy one, filled with uncertainties.

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

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.

“Under the Social Investment Program of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, 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 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,” she stated.

She also noted: “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.”

Widows’ welfare is First Lady’s priority, says CDS

In a goodwill message, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa appreciates the First Lady and the Renewed Hope Initiative, 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 CDS noted that the financial support had brought renewed hope to the families of fallen heroes, and would consequently, boost the morale of serving members of the Armed Forces.

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

The statement said the beneficiaries were drawn from the Nigerian Army Officers Wives’ Association (NAOWA), Nigerian Navy Officers Wives Association (NOWA), Nigerian Navy Officers Wives’ Association (NAFOWA), Police Officers Wives Association, POWA and Defence Officers Wives association (DEPOWA).