In a noteworthy act of compassion and support, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), spearheaded by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has provided a total of 1,709 widows and orphans of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces with financial assistance amounting to 250,000 Naira each.
The commendable initiative, with a total sum of 427,750,000 Naira, is a significant facet of the social investment program by the Renewed Hope Initiative, aimed at enhancing the welfare of vulnerable groups across the country.
During the presentation of the relief package to the beneficiaries from various parts of Nigeria, the First Lady acknowledged the arduous journey of the gallant soldiers’ wives, filled with uncertainties and challenges. She stressed the importance of rewarding the sacrifices of their breadwinners, who have paid the ultimate price in the defence of the nation, with adequate welfare.
Expressing optimism that the intervention will alleviate the burdens of the recipients, Mrs. Tinubu called upon other stakeholders to consistently consider the dependents of fallen heroes in their initiatives.
Elaborating on the rationale behind the intervention, the First Lady articulated, “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.”
In a heartfelt goodwill message, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, expressed gratitude to the First Lady and the RHI for their considerate gesture, highlighting the significance of prioritizing the welfare of widows.
Representing the defence Chief, Major-General Danladi Salisu noted that the financial aid has injected renewed hope into the families of fallen heroes and will undoubtedly boost the morale of serving members of the Armed Forces.
Furthermore, Oghogho Musa, President of Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, and Wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, conveyed her appreciation for the intervention, deeming it a much-needed relief for the beneficiaries.
The beneficiaries, drawn from various associations including 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, expressed their gratitude for the timely support.
