The wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has provided N819 million to 1,638 widows of fallen military and police personnel through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The support, part of the second edition of the RHI Social Investment Programme for widows of fallen heroes, gives each beneficiary N500,000 to start a business or boost an existing one.
Mrs. Tinubu announced the intervention in Abuja on Thursday, saying N657.5 million was allocated to 1,315 widows of fallen military personnel, while N161.5 million went to 323 widows of deceased police officers.
She said the beneficiaries were families of security personnel who died in the line of duty from 2023 to date. The assistance, she added, is aimed at helping the widows rebuild their livelihoods and care for their children.
According to her, “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.
“Today, we will make a presentation of the sum of N657,500,000 to the Chief of Defence Staff for 1,315 widows, and the sum of N161,500,000 to the Inspector-General of Police for 323 widows, totalling N819 million.”
Mrs. Tinubu said the beneficiaries’ accounts were already being credited by Zenith Bank, adding that the presentation at the event was symbolic.
She stated, “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.”
The RHI National Chairman said the programme was created to honour personnel who died protecting Nigeria while giving their widows and families practical support and new opportunities.
She said the country remains indebted to security personnel who work in dangerous conditions to protect its peace and security.
Mrs. Tinubu also recalled that RHI provided N250,000 each to 1,420 widows and orphans of fallen heroes on November 14, 2023. The first edition had targeted 1,710 beneficiaries, but problems with names and bank details prevented some from receiving the funds.
She said the latest exercise was expanded to cover more families of security personnel who paid the supreme price.
Mrs. Tinubu thanked Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede and Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu for helping compile the beneficiaries’ list.
She also conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s appreciation to the families, saying, “The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, honours and appreciates the sacrifices of those who lost their lives in service of our nation.”
The first lady urged the widows to see themselves as survivors, not victims, and encouraged older beneficiaries to support younger widows.
“I pray that all of you will have your hope renewed, discover purpose, joy, and a new future for you and your children,” she said.
Oluyede described the intervention as part of the government’s effort to provide relief and economic support to families affected by the loss of security personnel.
He said, “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.”
The CDS urged the beneficiaries to use the money wisely for their families, children’s education and future development. He described the support as “a demonstration of national solidarity” and praised President Tinubu for his commitment to military welfare, including the recent approval of enhanced remuneration.
He also assured the families that their “courage, loyalty, and ultimate sacrifice will never ever be forgotten”.
Disu described the intervention as an extraordinary act of compassion and patriotism. He said the sacrifices of fallen personnel continued through the daily struggles of their widows and children.
He said, “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.
“By choosing to reach out to these families, you have sent a powerful message that our fallen heroes and those they loved are not forgotten.”
The IGP added, “Please, accept this gesture as a sincere embrace from the nation you served. Behind every fallen officer was a family that shares in the burden of duty and endures the ultimate pain of the loss.
“Nigeria sees you, Nigeria remembers you, and Nigeria is profoundly grateful to you.”
Disu said the programme showed that the Renewed Hope Agenda was about “touching lives, restoring dignity, and standing with Nigerians at their most vulnerable moment”.
He saluted fallen military and police personnel and thanked Mrs. Tinubu for “keeping faith with our heroes and for holding the hands of the families they leave behind”.
