By Usman Aliyu
The 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin, has distributed food items, clothing and cash to widows of fallen officers as part of activities marking the Christmas celebration.
The gesture was carried out in Benin during the Commander’s Christmas Luncheon for widows and children, aimed at supporting families of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, alongside the Chief Medical Director of the Military Hospital, Benin, Brig.-Gen. Paulina Aburime, presented the items to 50 widows and six Magajiya (leaders of soldiers’ wives).
Speaking at the event, Balogun said the initiative aligned with the philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, which prioritised the welfare of soldiers and their families.
According to him, the luncheon was also a reminder to widows that the Nigerian Army had not forgotten the sacrifices made by their late husbands in the defence of the nation.
“While others are celebrating and making merry, we recognise that some of us here paid the supreme price through their husbands.
“Though they are no longer with us, the Army is here with you,” Balogun said.
He explained that the command considered it important to celebrate with the widows and their children and to support them materially, as a demonstration that the Army and the nation still value their sacrifice.
“We are here to put soldiers first and to bring the Chief of Army Staff’s philosophy to life by celebrating and identifying with our soldiers and their families during this Christmas season,” he added.
The brigade commander assured that the initiative would be sustained and extended to other festive periods, including Ramadan and Sallah celebrations.
Also speaking, Brig.-Gen. Paulina Aburime, commended the brigade commander for the luncheon and empowerment of the widows.
“I thank you on behalf of all the beneficiaries. I have seen you reach out to the widows and the children, and this is something we should continue to do and emulate,” Aburime said.
She urged officers, soldiers and their families to continue to live in unity and love, noting that the Nigerian Army recognises and celebrates both Christian and Muslim festivals together.
Some of the widows, including Mrs Umar Abdulrashid-Eleshi and Mrs Queen Obazuwa, expressed appreciation to the commander for the support.
Obazuwa appealed for sustained assistance, noting that the widows now depended on the Army for continued support following the loss of their husbands.
“We are looking up to the Army. Please continue to help us and keep the widows in mind. We thank God for his life and say a very big thank you,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
