First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has provided financial assistance worth about N819 million to 1,638 widows of fallen personnel of the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police who lost their husbands in the line of duty between 2023 and 2026.
The First Lady made the announcement on Thursday in Abuja during the second edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, support programme for widows of fallen heroes, under which each beneficiary will receive N500,000 to help recapitalize an existing business or establish a new one to support her family.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Tinubu said the intervention was designed to recognize the sacrifices of security personnel who lost their lives while protecting the nation, while also providing meaningful assistance to the families they left behind.
She described the beneficiaries as remarkable women who had endured immense pain, hardship and uncertainty following the loss of their husbands.
According to her, the sacrifices made by military and police personnel extend beyond those who serve, as their families also bear the emotional and economic consequences of their service.
“We remain grateful to the brave men and women of our security forces who work tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to protect all of us and preserve the peace and security of our nation,” she said.
Mrs. Tinubu acknowledged the strength and resilience of the widows, noting that they had continued to support their families despite the difficulties associated with losing their spouses in service to the country.
She recalled that the RHI had, on November 14, 2023, provided N250,000 each to 1,420 widows and orphans of fallen heroes selected through the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association, DEPOWA.
She said the latest intervention covered widows whose husbands died in the line of duty since the assumption of office of President Bola Tinubu.
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“Today, we are providing financial support of N500,000 each to 1,638 widows of our fallen heroes, covering those who have lost their husbands in the line of duty since the assumption of office of President Bola Tinubu.
“This will enable you to recapitalize an existing business or start a business of your choice to care for your family,” she said.
Mrs. Tinubu disclosed that about N657.5 million would be presented to the Chief of Defence Staff for 1,315 widows, while about N161.5 million would be presented to the Inspector-General of Police for 323 widows. She said the two allocations amounted to approximately N819 million for all the beneficiaries.
The First Lady also commended the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for supporting the compilation of records of eligible beneficiaries from 2023 to date.
She added that President Tinubu appreciated and honored the sacrifices of security personnel who lost their lives while serving and safeguarding Nigerians.
Mrs. Tinubu further encouraged older widows to provide emotional support and guidance to younger widows who had recently lost their husbands.
“Some of you have been widows for some time while some of you have just been widowed. I encourage the older women among you to give emotional support to the younger ones,” she said.
In his remarks, Gen. Oluyede expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the First Lady and Nana Shettima, Vice-Chairman of the RHI, for extending support to the families of fallen heroes.
He described the financial assistance as a demonstration of national solidarity and compassion towards families of security personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to Nigeria.
According to him, the intervention complements existing institutional efforts and reassures serving personnel that the nation remains concerned about the welfare of their families.
Oluyede urged the beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously, particularly for the welfare, education and future development of their children.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu, also commended the initiative, describing it as an expression of compassionate leadership and a recognition of the challenges faced by families of fallen security personnel.
Disu said the loss of a hero does not end with the death of the personnel, as families left behind continue to deal with emotional and financial challenges.
He said the intervention sends a strong message that fallen heroes and their families have not been forgotten.
The IGP added that the financial support represents more than assistance, describing it as a demonstration of solidarity from a nation grateful for the sacrifices of its security personnel.
NAN
