Wives of serving and retired senior military officers under the umbrella of the 42 Regular Course Jewels Association on Thursday held a special outreach programme for 58 widows of fallen personnel.
The women distributed bags of rice and other essential food items to the widows in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of their husbands’ service in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, the President of the association, Mrs. Lucy Okehi — wife of Rear Adm. Okehi of the Nigerian Navy — said the gesture was part of activities marking the officers’ service milestone.
Okehi noted that the outreach was aimed at honouring the memory of fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price to preserve Nigeria’s peace and unity.
“From time to time, we take moments like this to celebrate and fellowship with the widows — to share the little that God has blessed us with,” she said.
The Financial Secretary of the association, Dr. Temitope Oyinlola, described the day as one of gratitude and reflection.
“Thirty-five years is not thirty-five days,” she said, noting that their husbands had weathered many storms in service to the nation. “We are here to thank God for their lives and celebrate His protection.”
The association’s Secretary, Mrs. Olubunmi Adedoja, added that the event offered an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and challenges experienced by the officers and their families.
“It is a time to thank God for life, unity, and the grace to stand strong as families,” she said.
Widows who benefited from the outreach expressed heartfelt appreciation to the association for their consistent support.
Mrs. Blessing Ibrahim Sule, widow of late Petty Officer Sule Ibrahim, said the group had always treated widows like family.
“They always carry us along. I thank them and pray that God continues to bless and protect their homes,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Abiodun Jegede, widow of late Corporal Richard Jegede, also thanked the organisers for their kindness and prayed for the continued success of the officers and their families.
The event featured the presentation of relief packages, shared reflections from the widows, and special tributes to fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s unity.
