The Prayer and Support for Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies (PSNAFSA) has commended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for providing financial assistance to widows of soldiers and police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The civil society coalition said 1,638 widows connected to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force each received N500,000 under the initiative, bringing the total disbursement to N819 million.
The funds were distributed through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), with PSNAFSA describing the intervention as a meaningful recognition of the sacrifices made by security personnel who died protecting the country.
Ambassador Mary Abayomi-Fatile, Convener of PSNAFSA, said the organisation deeply values the service and sacrifices of Nigeria’s security agencies.
“For those of us who consistently pray for and support Nigeria’s Armed Forces and other security agencies, we understand the sacrifices made by these gallant men and women, many of whom pay the supreme price while defending the territorial integrity, peace and security of Nigeria,” she said.
PSNAFSA said the widows and children left behind carry the legacy of their fallen relatives and deserve the nation’s care, support and recognition.
The organization also highlighted the practical value of the financial assistance, noting that the funds could help beneficiaries start new businesses or expand existing ones, strengthening their economic independence.
Beyond commending the First Lady, PSNAFSA called on government institutions at all levels, corporate organizations, private citizens and other well-meaning Nigerians to support families of fallen security personnel.
The organization stressed that caring for these families should not be influenced by political affiliation, administrative priorities or personal interests, describing it instead as a “national duty.”
While acknowledging that no amount of financial assistance can replace a lost husband, father or loved one, PSNAFSA said such interventions could provide hope, dignity and reassurance to affected families.
“While no financial assistance can ever replace a lost husband, father or loved one, gestures of this nature provide hope, dignity and reassurance that the sacrifices of our fallen heroes have not been forgotten,” the group said.
PSNAFSA also appealed to the Federal Government to sustain and expand welfare programmes for widows and children of military, police and other security personnel who died in the line of duty.
It called for greater investment in education, healthcare, housing, skills development and long-term economic empowerment to help affected families build more stable and secure lives.
The organization concluded by thanking the First Lady for what it described as a timely and commendable intervention and prayed for her continued wisdom and strength as she pursues initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians.
Umm E Habiba, Punjab, Pakistan.
