Army reiterates commitment to support officers’ widows

The Nigerian Army, on Thursday, reiterated commitment to continue to support the widows of their fallen heroes while in active service.

The Commander, Nigerian Army Armoured Corps in Bauchi state, Maj:-Gen. Mohammed Ahmed stated this during widows outreach organised by the Bauchi state chapter of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), Armoured Corps.

According to him, the Nigerian army recognised the sacrifices that had been made by the widows’ loved ones and the sacrifices the widows were making, adding that their strength would strengthen and motivate the officers defending the country.

He charged other officers in the army to put in their best to ensure that the families of the deceased officers were given the best of treatment, saying they remained families ‘till the kingdom comes’.

“As part of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieut:-Gen.Taoreed Lagbaja’s philosophy, motivation is one of the key cardinal points.

“So, today, we honour you these brave women who have lost their loved ones in service to our great country Nigeria.

“We know the loss is unimaginable and irreparable but we thank you for your unwavering support and resilience.

“We will never forget the sacrifices you and your loved ones have made and you have remained part of the heroes which we are.

“We will continue to support you to the best of our ability and I want to assure you that it’s part of the Chief of Army Staff’s policy to ensure that this is done,” he said.

The Commander explained that the federal government had also registered all the army personnel in life assurance where it would be paying the premium; this, he said, would go a long way in supporting the wives and children of any deceased officers.

Earlier, Mrs Hafsat Ahmed, Chairperson, NAOWA, said that the outreach was not just about support, but to also create a space where empathy transcends words, for bonds to be formed and for a community of understanding to flourish.

She lauded the Commander, Armoured Corps for his support to the association both financially, morally and physically.

Also, one of the beneficiaries of the outreach who spoke on behalf of all, appreciated the Nigerian Army, NAOWA as well as the Commander, Armoured Corps for the kind gesture.

Some of the items distributed to 16 widows during the outreach included food items, clothing materials, cash gifts and some other things to make them celebrate the festive period with ease.