WIDOWS OF FALLEN HEROES SEEK FOR MORE WELFARE ASSISTANCE

…AS LAGOS STATE GOVT PLEDGES CONTINUOUS SUPPORT

By Okosun Dennis

Widows of the Fallen Heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces on Sunday appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to look into the general welfare of families of officers and soldiers that died in the line of duty during the civil war and other internal security operations.

They affirmed that the welfare provisions are not enough to cushion the effects of the economic realities considering that their breadwinners’ lives have been cut short for peace and tranquility to reign in the country.

Speaking during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Wreath Laying Ceremony at the National Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, Mrs Shobowale Oyelola, who represented others widows of fallen heroes, said even though the government have paid some of their entitlements, they need more to enable them adequately take care of their kids.

Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Nigeria, is an annual event to commemorate the nation’s servicemen and fallen heroes. The event, celebrated on January 15 each year, is to honour veterans of World War I and II, as well as those that fought during the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 – 1970 and other internal security operations.

Mrs. Shobowale further explained that, “The Nigerian government should help the widows. Since 2017, some have not been paid their insurance. Our husbands that have been feeding us are no more and we need these moneys to pay bills. Please, they should remember the widows. We are suffering.

Asked about the entitlements paid to the family, she explained receiving among others, burial expenses, Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme (NAWIS) and Benevolent fund. I have three kids and none of them is on sponsorship at the moment even though I have filled the forms. I am still expecting the approval,” she recounted to our correspondent.

Mrs. Shobowale lost her husband in Yobe in 2021 while fighting against terrorists. He was 39 years old when he was killed.

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat assured widows of the Fallen heroes of Lagos State government continued support adding that their contributions to the security and defence of the country cannot be forgotten.

“The people and government of Lagos State appreciate their sacrifices and for protecting the integrity of our country. We would always support the military and other security agencies responsible for maintaining our security. We remember the Souls of the departed while defending the country. For the wives of the Fallen Heroes, we would continue to support them,” Dr Hamzat explained.

Speaking after laying wreath, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Ajunwa, said the Armed Forces, the State governments (Lagos and Ogun) and the private sector have done a lot to assist the widows and other inhabitants in the barracks.

“Lagos and Ogun states have done a lot for the widows in the barracks and the barrack community in terms of development, renovations and even constructing the roads that lead from the town to the barracks making it easy for the barrack inhabitants to be able to access the main city.

“We also have other private citizens who have done a lot for the widows in the Barracks, notably the Tony Elumelu Foundation that has done greatly for the widows and their families in the barracks.

“The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is not just for today, we remember our people every day and it should be a routine not just for the government but also for the private individuals who have the enablement to be able to empower some of these widows that their husband’s left behind in the course of national service.

“I assure the widows that we would continue to remember them because they are in the minds of the Service Chiefs, the Commander-In-Chief.

“The government and the Armed Forces would continue to take measures that would make sure that their pains are ameliorated in terms of free education for their children and other related things that is already existing on ground.”

On his part, the Chairman, Lagos State Legion, Deputy Commandant-General Akeem Wolimoh, expressed satisfaction with the provision of welfare needs of veterans and families of fallen heroes stressing that more of such are needed to ameliorate their hardship and sufferings.

“The care for widows is not enough. With the support of the citizens, more assistance can come their way to give them more to cushion the effects of the harsh economic realities.”

Among those that participated in the Laying of Wreath included the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the GOC, 81 Division, Major General Obinna Ajunwa, FOC West, Rear Admiral Yakubu Wambai, who was represented, AOC Logistics, Air Marshal E.O Shobande, CP Abiodun Alabi of Lagos State, and the Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Lagos State, Deputy Commandant General Akeem Wolimoh.

Others include the representative of widows of Fallen Heroes, Mrs Shobowale Oyelola, the Secretary to the Lagos State government, Mrs Folashade Sherifat Jaji, a representative of the Chief Judge of Lagos State and a representative of the Oba of Lagos, Chief Ajose, head of white cap chiefs.

WIDOWS OF FALLEN HEROES SEEK FOR MORE WELFARE ASSISTANCE

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