Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the social intervention programme of First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu has disbursed N819 million to 1,638 widows of fallen personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force.
This second edition of the empowerment which is under RHI Social Investment Programme for widows of fallen heroes, each beneficiary is receiving N500,000 to either start a business or recapitalise an existing one.
The First Lady, who announced the intervention at the programme in Abuja, said N657.5 million was allocated to 1,315 widows of fallen military personnel, while N161.5 million went to 323 widows of deceased police officers.
She said the beneficiaries were families of security personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty from 2023 to date, adding that the intervention is intended to help the widows rebuild their livelihoods and provide for their children.
“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.
“This will enable you to recapitalise an existing business or start a business of your choice to care for your families”, Mrs Tinubu said.
“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”.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu disclosed that the beneficiaries’ bank accounts were already being credited, explaining that the presentation at the event was only 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 who is also the National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative said the intervention was conceived not only to remember the sacrifices of personnel who died protecting the country but also to provide tangible support and opportunities for the women and families they left behind.
According to her, Nigeria remains indebted to members of the security forces who work under difficult and dangerous conditions to preserve the nation’s peace and security.
She acknowledged the peculiar sacrifices made by spouses of military and police personnel, noting that their lives are often marked by uncertainty and the knowledge of the risks faced by their loved ones in the course of duty.
“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 line of duty”.
“I applaud and acknowledge the strength, resilience, and sacrifices you too have made for our dear country”, she said.
