The Akwa Ibom State Government has introduced a robust economic empowerment programme targeted at improving the livelihoods of widows of deceased military, police, and paramilitary personnel through sustainable, income-generating initiatives.
Governor Umo Eno unveiled the package on Wednesday during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph on Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.
Under the initiative, the state government will construct 150 lock-up stores 100 for widows of fallen military personnel and 50 for widows of deceased police officers and other paramilitary operatives. Beneficiaries will also receive take-off grants to enable them establish and sustain small-scale businesses.
According to the Governor, the programme represents a deliberate shift from one-off financial assistance to long-term economic empowerment for families of fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.
“We are moving beyond temporary support to initiatives that guarantee lasting economic stability for these families,” Governor Eno stated.
In addition to the empowerment scheme, the Governor announced N120 million in immediate financial support to serving personnel, including N10 million to officers on parade, N20 million to widows present at the ceremony, and N20 million to the Nigerian Legionaries. He also recalled that in 2025, the state disbursed N250 million as welfare support to widows of fallen military and police officers.
Governor Eno disclosed that construction of the lock-up stores would commence immediately land is made available by the relevant service formations, with the Office of the First Lady, Ministry of Women Affairs, and Bureau of Cooperatives jointly coordinating the project.
He used the occasion to call for politics anchored on service and peace, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strides in national security, and reaffirmed his administration’s continued support for security agencies in Akwa Ibom State.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually to honour Nigerian military personnel who died in the line of duty and to recognise the sacrifices of veterans and their families.
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