Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun of the Nigerian Army in Benin has said the distribution of Christmas food items and cash gifts to families of fallen officers was meant to show appreciation for their sacrifice.
Balogun explained that the gesture was intended to reassure widows of deceased soldiers that the Nigerian Army had not forgotten the sacrifices their late husbands made in the service of their country.
Balogun, the Commander of the Brigade in Benin, on Friday hosted a luncheon for widows and children of officers who died while serving the nation.
The Commander, alongside the Chief Medical Director of the Military Hospital in Benin, Brig.-Gen. Paulina Aburime, presented the items to 50 widows and six Magajiyas, who are leaders of soldiers’ wives.
Balogun said the initiative was in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, which places priority on the welfare of soldiers and their families.
According to him, the luncheon served as a reminder that the Nigerian Army has not forgotten the sacrifices made by the late officers in defending the country.
“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,” he said.
He noted that the command considered it necessary to celebrate with the widows and their children and to provide material support as evidence 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 said.
He added that the initiative would be sustained and expanded to cover other festive periods, including Ramadan and Sallah.
Also speaking, Brig.-Gen. Aburime praised the brigade for organising the luncheon and for empowering 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,” she said.
She encouraged officers, soldiers and their families to continue to live together in unity and love, stressing that the Nigerian Army recognises and celebrates both Christian and Muslim festivities.
Meanwhile, some of the widows who responded to the gesture expressed gratitude to the commander for the support.
One of the widows, Mrs Queen Obazuwa, called for sustained assistance, noting that the widows relied on the Army for continued support after losing their husbands.
“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.
