…distributes N819 million
First Lady and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commended widows of slain security personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty for showing extraordinary courage in the face of adversity.
She made the remarks on Thursday during a presentation of financial support to the widows as part of her Renewed Hope Initiative Social Investment Program.
At the occasion held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, which had the Chief of Defense Staff, General Femi Oloyede; the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu; and other service chiefs in attendance, the First Lady declared that the nation must continue to acknowledge the sacrifices of men and women of the security forces who work tirelessly, often at great personal risk, and share empathy for those widows of those who paid the supreme sacrifice in line of service to the nation.
She said, “We have come together not only to remember the sacrifices made by your husbands but also to provide support and opportunities for all you remarkable women who have endured so much.
“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. 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.
“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 the line of duty. I applaud and acknowledge the strength, resilience, and sacrifices you two have made for our dear country.”
Senator Remi Tinubu, who recalled that over 1,420 widows and orphans of fallen heroes selected through the Defense and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOA) benefitted financial support of 250,000 naira each in 2023
When the program was launched, it was further declared that over 1,638 widows would be beneficiaries of a total sum of N819 million naira at the second edition held on Thursday.
“Three years ago, on 14th November 2023, under the Renewed Hope Initiative Social Investment Program, we provided general financial support of 250,000 naira each to 1,420 widows and orphans of falling heroes selected through the Defense and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOA); we initially targeted capturing 1,710 beneficiaries. However, due to irregularities in names and bank details, some people could not benefit.
“Today, we are providing financial support of 500,000 naira 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 Mr. President. This will enable you to recapitalize an existing business or start a business of your choice to care for your families.”
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Oluyede, commended the First Lady for what he called her benevolent disposition.
“Today’s intervention by the Renew Hope Initiative is particularly significant as it complements institutional efforts and demonstrates the value that we place on the lives and service of those who defend our grand nation. It also re-assures personnel serving across the country that the nation recognizes their sacrifices and remains mindful of the well-being of our families. To the beneficiaries, I encourage you to utilize this support judiciously for the welfare, education, and future development of your beautiful children. It goes without saying that this presentation of financial assistance is a demonstration of national solidarity from the compassionate rationality of a grateful people; it is hoped that this gesture will provide some measure of relief and encouragement, particularly in meeting essential needs and supporting welfare demands of your daily life.”
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, spoke in the same vein as he thanked Senator Remi Tinubu for the gesture.
“Your Excellency, this initiative bears the unmistakable imprint of a leader whose heart understands the profound truth. When a nation loses a hero, the sacrifice does not end with that hero. It continues in the homes, the arts, and the daily struggle of families left behind. By choosing to reach out to these families, you have sent a powerful message that our fallen heroes and those they loved are not forgotten. Today, in great numbers, families of our foreign personnel are beneficiaries of this intervention. This is more than financial assistance; it is a message of solidarity from a grateful nation. It is a recognition of supreme sacrifice, and most importantly, a restoration of hope to those who have paid a great price for our peace and security, to our dear widows and families, the women who now carry the burden alone and the children growing up without parents.”
A breakdown of the financial support revealed that while widows of Armed Forces personnel got a total of N675,500,000, their counterpart in the Police received total sum of N161,500,000. Each of the widows will, however, get a check of N500,000.00