The Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has donated N819 million to 1,638 widows of fallen military and police personnel to support them in starting or expanding businesses.
The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, announced the intervention on Thursday at the second edition of the RHI Social Investment Programme for Widows of Fallen Heroes in Abuja, where she described the beneficiaries as women of extraordinary courage rather than victims of loss.
She said N657.5 million would go to 1,315 widows of fallen military personnel, while N161.5 million would be given to 323 widows of deceased police officers, bringing the total support to N819 million.
“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 explained that the money was intended to help the women establish new businesses or strengthen existing ones to support their families.
“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 noted that the beneficiaries’ accounts were already being credited, adding that the presentation at the event was symbolic.
“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,” she said.
The First Lady said the intervention was designed not only to honour personnel who died in the line of duty but also to provide practical support for the families they left behind.
Addressing the beneficiaries, she urged them to see themselves as women whose resilience and sacrifices deserved 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 was part of the RHI’s social investment programme for widows of fallen heroes, covering families of military and police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty from 2023 to date.
The initiative had earlier received commendation from the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who attended the presentation at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Aneke described continued support for families of fallen personnel as a reflection of the nation’s appreciation of their sacrifices and a commitment to the welfare of those they left behind.
The event was attended by senior military and security officials, government representatives and other stakeholders.
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