By Sumaila Ogbaje
Wives of serving and retired senior officers under the umbrella of the 42 Regular Course Jewels Association, on Thursday, conducted a special outreach to 58 widows of fallen military personnel.
The women distributed bags of rice and other food items to the widows in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of their husbands’ service in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, the President of the association, Mrs Lucy Okehi, wife of Rear Adm. Okehi of the Nigerian Navy, said the gesture was part of activities marking their husbands’ milestone.
Okehi said the outreach was meant to remember the families of fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price to preserve Nigeria’s peace and unity.
“From time to time, we take moments like this to celebrate and fellowship with the widows, to share the little that God has blessed us with,” she said.
Also speaking, Dr Temitope Oyinlola, Financial Secretary of the association, described the day as one of gratitude and reflection.
According to her, 35 years is not 35 days, saying their husbands had weathered many storms in service to the nation.
“We are here to thank God for their lives and to celebrate His protection,” she said.
The association’s secretary, Mrs Olubunmi Adedoja, said the event provided an opportunity to celebrate both the achievements and challenges the officers and their families had experienced.
According to her, it is a time to thank God for life, unity, and the grace to stand strong as families.
Widows who benefited from the outreach expressed appreciation to the association for their continued support.
Mrs Blessing Ibrahim Sule, widow of late Petty Officer Sule Ibrahim, said the group had consistently included widows in its activities.
“They always carry us like family. I thank them and pray that God will continue to bless and protect their homes,” she said.
Another widow, Mrs Abiodun Jegede, wife of late Corporal Richard Jegede, thanked the organisers for their kindness and prayed for the continued success of the officers and their families.
The event featured presentation of relief packages to widows, sharing of experiences by the widows and special tributes to the fallen heroes who sacrificed for the nation’s unity. (NAN)
