RHI Disburses N819m to 1,638 Widows of Fallen Military, Police Personnel

 RHI Disburses N819m to 1,638 Widows of Fallen Military, Police Personnel

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the social intervention programme of 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 intervention, announced on Thursday in Abuja, provides N500,000 to each beneficiary to either establish a new business or recapitalise an existing one as part of efforts to support families of security personnel who died in the line of duty.

Of the total amount, N657.5 million is earmarked for 1,315 widows of fallen military personnel, while N161.5 million is allocated to 323 widows of deceased police officers.

According to the First Lady, the beneficiaries comprise families of security personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty from 2023 to date.

She said the intervention was designed to help the widows rebuild their livelihoods, support their children and achieve greater economic stability.

“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.

She explained that N657.5 million would be presented to the Chief of Defence Staff for 1,315 widows, while N161.5 million would be presented to the Inspector-General of Police for 323 widows.

The First Lady disclosed that the beneficiaries' bank accounts were already being credited by Zenith Bank, 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.

Mrs Tinubu, who is the National Chairman of RHI, said the initiative was intended not only to honour the sacrifices of security personnel who died protecting the country but also to provide tangible support and opportunities for the families they left behind.

She acknowledged the difficult conditions under which military and police personnel operate and commended their spouses for supporting them despite the risks associated with their duties.

“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,” she said.

The First Lady urged the beneficiaries to see themselves as survivors rather than victims, describing them as women who had demonstrated exceptional courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

“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 also encouraged older widows among the beneficiaries to provide emotional support and guidance to younger women who had recently lost their husbands.

Mrs Tinubu 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.

She said the first edition had initially targeted 1,710 beneficiaries, but irregularities in names and bank details prevented some of those listed from receiving the assistance.

The latest intervention, she added, was expanded to accommodate families of security personnel who had paid the supreme price since 2023.

The First Lady thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, for supporting the compilation of the list of beneficiaries.

She also conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appreciation to the families of fallen personnel, saying the President recognised the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives 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 families affected by the loss of loved ones in the defence of the country.

Oluyede said no material assistance could fully compensate the beneficiaries for their losses, but stressed that the nation and its institutions had a responsibility to ensure that families of fallen heroes were not abandoned.

“No material support can fully compensate for your loss. But I need you to understand that it is the collective responsibility of the nation and its institutions to ensure that the families of their heroes left behind are not forgotten,” he said.

The CDS urged the beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously, particularly for their families’ welfare, children’s education and future development.

He said the intervention complemented existing institutional efforts to support families of fallen personnel and sent a strong message to serving officers and soldiers that their sacrifices and the welfare of their families remained important to the country.

Oluyede also commended President Tinubu for his commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel, including the recent approval of enhanced remuneration.

He assured the families of fallen personnel that their courage, loyalty and sacrifices would not be forgotten.

In his remarks, 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 the country.

Disu noted that the sacrifice of fallen personnel continued beyond their deaths through the challenges faced daily by their spouses and children.

“When a nation loses a hero, the sacrifice does not end with that hero. It continues in the homes, the hearts, and the daily struggle of families left behind,” he said.

The IGP said the intervention went beyond financial assistance, describing it as a demonstration of national solidarity and recognition of the sacrifices made by security personnel.

He assured the beneficiaries that Nigeria remembered and appreciated their families, saying, “Nigeria sees you, Nigeria remembers you, and Nigeria is profoundly grateful to you.”

Disu said the initiative demonstrated that the Renewed Hope Agenda was not limited to policies and programmes but also focused on restoring dignity and supporting Nigerians during vulnerable moments.

He commended Mrs Tinubu for continuing to support families of fallen heroes and for ensuring that their sacrifices remained recognised.

The intervention is expected to provide the beneficiaries with capital to strengthen their livelihoods while supporting the welfare and future prospects of their children.