RHI Disburses N819m to Widows of Fallen Military, Police Personnel
The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the social intervention programme of the First Lady, 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.
The financial assistance, provided under the RHI Social Investment Programme for Widows of Fallen Heroes, gives each beneficiary N500,000 to either start a new business or recapitalise an existing one.
Speaking at the empowerment programme in Abuja, the First Lady said N657.5 million was allocated to 1,315 widows of fallen military personnel, while N161.5 million was earmarked for 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 was designed 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,” she said.
Tinubu explained that the money had already been transferred into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts, noting that the presentation at the event was 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 National Chairman of the RHI, said the intervention was aimed at honouring the sacrifices of personnel who died protecting the country while providing tangible support and opportunities for the families they left behind.
She said the nation remained indebted to members of the security forces who worked under difficult and dangerous conditions to preserve Nigeria’s peace and security.
Tinubu also acknowledged the sacrifices of military and police spouses, noting that their lives were often characterised by uncertainty and the risks associated with their loved ones’ duties.
She urged the widows not to see themselves as victims, but as survivors who had demonstrated courage and resilience despite their losses.
“We at the Renewed Hope Initiative recognise that the 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 we chart a new path forward,” she said.
She recalled that the RHI, on November 14, 2023, provided N250,000 each to 1,420 widows and orphans of fallen heroes selected through the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association.
According to her, the first edition initially targeted 1,710 beneficiaries, but irregularities in names and bank details prevented some of those listed from receiving the assistance.
She said the latest intervention was therefore designed to expand the programme and capture more families of security personnel who had paid the supreme price.
Tinubu thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, for their support in compiling the list of beneficiaries.
She also conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appreciation to the families, saying the President recognised the sacrifices of those who died in service to Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, described the intervention as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to providing relief and economic empowerment to Nigerians, particularly families who suffered losses in the defence of the country.
Oluyede said no amount of material assistance could compensate the beneficiaries for the loss of their loved ones, stressing that the nation and its institutions had a collective responsibility to ensure that families of fallen heroes were not abandoned.
He urged the beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously, particularly for their families’ welfare, children’s education and future development.
The CDS described the intervention as “a demonstration of national solidarity,” adding that it would provide relief to the families of fallen personnel.
He also commended President Tinubu for his commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel, particularly through the recent approval of enhanced remuneration.
The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, described the intervention as an extraordinary demonstration of compassion and patriotism towards families whose loved ones paid the supreme price for Nigeria.
Disu said the sacrifices of fallen personnel continued beyond their deaths through the daily struggles of the spouses and children they left behind.
He said the intervention sent a powerful message that fallen heroes and their families had not been forgotten.
According to him, the initiative went beyond financial assistance, representing solidarity from a grateful nation and recognition of the sacrifices made by security personnel.
The IGP said the RHI had demonstrated that the Renewed Hope Agenda was not only about policies and programmes, but also about touching lives, restoring dignity and supporting Nigerians at vulnerable moments.
He commended the First Lady for supporting the families of fallen military and police personnel, saying their sacrifices had enabled millions of Nigerians to live, work and pursue their aspirations.
Tinubu, while expressing hope that the intervention would help the beneficiaries rediscover purpose and build a more secure future for themselves and their children, urged the older widows to support and encourage those who had suffered their losses more recently.
She prayed that the beneficiaries would have their hope renewed, discover purpose and find joy as they build a new future for themselves and their children.
