Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has reassured the widows of dead soldiers in the state of his readiness to stand by them.
Eno announced the donation of N150 million to the widows, and also empowered some of them with necessary knowledge and skills to establish sustainable businesses through the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development, IbomLED.
The governor gave the assurance on Wednesday in Uyo during an event marking the Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
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Eno said he would direct the permanent secretaries in the ministries of Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services to ensure that the widows would not only get the monies but they should have something doing.
He added that both ministries should collaborate to ensure that the widows of fallen heroes are absorbed in all LGAs empowerment programmes.
“The widows of our fallen soldiers and those who served the nation diligently will not walk alone.
“We will stand by you, pray with you and give you our support. May the souls of the gallant officers, men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces rest in peace.
“I’ll direct the permanent Secretaries of ministries of women affairs and the permanent Secretary of Humanitarian services not only to disburse money to these women but to ensure that they have something they are doing.
“They will look at their trade, they’ll improve their trade, if there is need they will send them to be trained in IbomLED and it is on that note that I’m donating the sum of N150 million to these women and it should be disbursed promptly let me also announce the sum of N100 million to the widows of police and other security agencies because they too have fallen heroes as the son of Police officer who gave his life in the line of duty,” he said.
Eno, who paid tribute to the fallen heroes, commended the men and officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their patriotic zeal, gallantry and bravery in safeguarding the sovereignty of the nation even with their blood.
He charged all Nigerians to embrace inclusivity, fairness, equity, a level playing field, tolerance, and unity for the progress of the nation.
“We in Akwa Ibom will continue to celebrate and honour their sacrifices. Last year, I announced a donation of 100 million Naira to assist the widows deal with the pain associated with the loss of their husbands and breadwinners. We will continue to intentionally do all we can to assist them as well as the Nigerian Legionnaire,” the statement added.
The highpoint of the event was the laying of wreath by the governor and heads of security agencies in the state.
