The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a project of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has provided financial support of 250,000 Naira to 1,709 widows and orphans of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The 427,750,000 support is a component of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s (RHI) social investment program, which aims to improve the welfare of the nation’s most disadvantaged populations.
In a statement provided by her media assistant, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said that the recipients of the relief package were selected from all throughout the nation. She said that, as the spouses of brave warriors, their journey is not simple and is fraught with uncertainty.
She emphasized that their primary providers’ sacrifices, who had paid the highest cost for their defense
While expressing hope that the intervention will offer some measure of relief to the beneficiaries, the First Lady called on other stakeholders to spare a thought for the dependents of fallen soldiers.
She said, “Under the Social Investment Program of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, we are here to empower 1,709 widows with the sum of N250,000 each. This will enable you to recapitalise an existing business or start a business of your choice to enable you to care for your families. We recognise 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 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 goodwill message, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa appreciated the First Lady and the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI for the kind and thoughtful gesture, which he says shows that the welfare of widows is a priority for her.
Represented by Major-General Danladi Salisu, the CDS noted that the financial support has brought renewed hope to the families of fallen heroes, and will consequently boost the morale of serving members of the Armed Forces.
President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association and Wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, Oghogho Musa who received the donation on behalf of beneficiaries applauded the intervention, describing it as a much-needed relief for the beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries were drawn from the Nigeria Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) the Nigerian Navy Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA) the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) and the Defence Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA).
