First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has approved N819 million in financial support for 1,638 widows of fallen military and police personnel as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s social investment programme.
The Punch reported that the intervention was announced on Thursday in Abuja during the second edition of the RHI Social Investment Programme for Widows of Fallen Heroes.
Under the initiative, 1,315 widows of fallen military personnel will receive a combined N657.5 million, while 323 widows of deceased police officers will share N161.5 million.
Each beneficiary is to receive N500,000 to enable her start a new business or expand an existing one and improve the welfare of her family.
“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 line of duty since the assumption of office of Mr. President,” Tinubu said.
She said the funds were being transferred directly to the beneficiaries, noting that the cheque presentation at the event was mainly symbolic.
“Today, we will make a presentation of the sum of N657,500,000 to the Chief of Defence Staff for 1,315 widows, and the sum of N161,500,000 to the Inspector-General of Police for 323 widows, totalling N819 million,” she said.
Tinubu added, “As I speak, your accounts are being credited by Zenith Bank. This is just a symbolic presentation today. God bless and prosper whatever business venture you all engage in.”
The First Lady said the programme was intended to recognise the sacrifices of personnel who died while serving the country while providing tangible assistance to the families they left behind.
She encouraged the beneficiaries to regard themselves as resilient women whose contributions and sacrifices deserved national recognition.
“The path of a military spouse is not an easy one; it is a journey filled with uncertainty, sacrifice, and ever-present awareness of the inherent risk that comes with loving someone who serves a dear nation,” she said.
“You brave women have stood by your husbands, keeping the home front, offering unwavering support and love. Also, you have felt the immense pain of losing your loved ones in line of duty.”
Tinubu added, “I applaud and acknowledge the strength, resilience, and sacrifices you too have made for our dear country.”
The intervention covers the families of military and police personnel who died in the line of duty from 2023 to date.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who attended the event at the Presidential Villa, commended the initiative, describing continued assistance to families of fallen personnel as a demonstration of the nation’s appreciation for their sacrifices.
The event was attended by senior military and security officials, government representatives and other stakeholders.
