Eno disburses ₦250m to empower military, paramilitary widows in Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State Governor Bassey Eno has disbursed the sum of ₦250 million for the empowerment of military and paramilitary widows in the State, reaffirming his commitment to compassionate and inclusive governance under the ARISE Agenda.

BusinessDay reports that the disbursement took place last week Friday at the Women Development Centre, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

Speaking at the event, Inibehe Silas Etukudo, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, described the initiative as a clear demonstration of Governor Umo Eno’s empathy and support for widows, noting that it was both a fulfilment of a promise and a reassurance that the sacrifices of fallen heroes would never be forgotten.

She commended President Bola Tinubu for sustaining the annual Remembrance Day and lauded the governor for his consistent support for widows and women’s advancement, describing it as part of the key pillars of the ARISE Agenda.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry noted that beneficiaries were already receiving payment alerts during the programme, assuring that due verification was carried out, while urging recipients to utilise the funds prudently.

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In her remarks, Grace John Aniema, the State Chairperson, Military Widows Association, described the intervention as the first of its kind for military widows in the State, expressing deep appreciation to the governor.

Mohammed Azare, Commissioner of Police and Edumoh Ekerendu, State Vice Chairman, Nigeria Legion, in a their separate remarks, described the gesture as a noble recognition of the sacrifices of fallen heroes and their families.

The event was however climaxed at the symbolic presentation of cheques, ₦150 million to the Military Widows Association and ₦100 million to the Paramilitary Widows Association.

The programme also featured prayers for fallen heroes and was attended by top security officials and representatives of military and paramilitary agencies.