The Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) provided palliative care on Thursday to the widows of around 150 fallen heroes in Rivers State.
Among the food supplies given to the widows at the occasion, which took place at the 29 Battalion Parade Ground, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, were bags of rice and beans, vegetable oil, cartons of Indomie Noodles, and garri.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff and President of DEPOWA, mentioned that the gesture was made in cooperation with DEPOWA and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) as a part of preparations for the 2024 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day commemoration.
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According to Mrs. Musa, the purpose of the palliative handout was to lessen the suffering of the widows of those who lost their life defending the nation. She thanked the widows on behalf of DEPOWA, seeing it as a little gesture of appreciation.
“Today’s event is meant to honor our sisters, friends, and mothers—the spouses of our cherished brave officers and men who paid the ultimate price while serving our dear country, Nigeria,” stressed Mrs. Musa.
She continued by saying that these incredible ladies had given their life to serve the Nigerian Armed Forces and had demonstrated fortitude, resiliency, and flexibility in the face of hardship.
Recognizing the unforgettable sacrifices and efforts of the deceased heroes, Mrs. Musa emphasized that the organization was dedicated to providing support for the welfare of their families.
She told the widows that DEPOWA held them dear to their hearts and would continue to provide them.
The Chief of Defence Civil Military Relations, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, reaffirmed the unflinching commitment of Defence Headquarters to the welfare of widows and relatives of fallen heroes.
He emphasized that the occasion was more than just a distribution of food; rather, it was a concrete demonstration of the military’s commitment to offering comfort and support to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Speaking for the widows, Mrs. Folake Lasisi expressed gratitude to DEPOWA and the Defence Headquarters for their kindness.
She did, however, file an appeal to have the rights of the widows of the officers who perished in the 1992 Hercules C-130 plane crash fulfilled. Mrs. Lasisi bemoaned the difficulties they had encountered thirty-two years after the occurrence and asked for assistance in educating the children of the officers who gave their life in the service of their nation.