Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has given N125 million to the widows and legionnaires of the Nigerian Armed Forces as part of a welfare package.
During Monday’s wreath-laying ceremony at the Uyo cenotaph in honor of Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the governor made the donation.
Eno described his mother’s experience as the widow of a police officer and ordered that N100 million be handed to the widows and N25 million to the legionnaires.
“As one who lost his father, a police officer, in the line of duty to the nation and left a young widow with the task of raising five boys and a girl, I understand what the widows of these fallen heroes are going through.
“Accordingly, on behalf of the government and the people of Akwa Ibom State, we are donating the sum of 100 million naira to the widows and 25 million naira to the Nigerian Legion,” he said.
The governor, who paid tribute to the fallen heroes, commended the men and officers of the Nigerian armed forces for their patriotic zeal, gallantry, and bravery in safeguarding the sovereignty of the nation even with their blood.
He charged all Nigerians to narrow down the politics of a zero-sum game and embrace inclusivity, fairness, equity, a level playing field, tolerance, and unity for the progress of the nation.
Gov Eno added:
“While we salute their bravery and gallantry, let us remind ourselves that the issues that led them to the various theatres of conflict, which ultimately led them to pay the ultimate prize, would be neutered or better managed in our time.
“As we honour these brave men and women, let us collectively shun tendencies that inflame passions in our polity.”