The Akwa Ibom State Government has launched a comprehensive economic empowerment programme designed to improve the livelihoods of widows of fallen military, police, and paramilitary personnel through sustainable income-generating initiatives.
Governor Umo Eno announced the initiative on Wednesday during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony held at the Cenotaph on Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.
As part of the programme, the state government will construct 150 lock-up stores, comprising 100 for widows of fallen military personnel and 50 for widows of deceased police officers and other paramilitary operatives. The Governor said the beneficiaries would also receive take-off grants to help them start and sustain small-scale businesses.
Pastor Eno explained that the intervention represents a deliberate shift from short-term financial aid to long-term economic empowerment for the families of those who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. “In line with our commitment to the welfare of families of our fallen heroes, we are deliberately moving beyond one-off financial support to programmes that provide lasting economic stability,” the governor stated.
Beyond the empowerment initiative, Governor Eno also announced immediate financial support totalling N120 million to serving and retired security personnel. The breakdown includes N10 million to officers on parade, N20 million to widows present at the ceremony, and another N20 million to the Nigerian Legionaries. He said this gesture reaffirms his administration’s tradition of recognising sacrifice and excellence.
He recalled that in the previous year, the state government had disbursed N250 million as welfare support, which included N150 million to widows of fallen military personnel and N100 million to widows of fallen police officers. According to the Governor, the construction of the new lock-up stores will begin immediately after the relevant service formations provide land for the project.
He added that the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Bureau of Cooperatives would jointly coordinate and supervise the project to ensure prompt and transparent execution.
Speaking on national unity and leadership, Governor Eno urged political leaders to view politics as a platform for service rather than conflict. He commended chairmen of political parties who attended the remembrance ceremony, saying their presence demonstrated a shared commitment to peace and progress. He expressed optimism that leaders across political lines would continue to practice politics of ideas, development, and peaceful engagement.
On national security, the Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for what he described as decisive leadership in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, noting visible improvements across various parts of the country. He also paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of officers and men of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in active service, as well as those currently engaged in different operations nationwide.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies, Governor Eno highlighted previous interventions, including the completion and commissioning of internal roads at the Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia last year. He disclosed that the Command and Control Centre would soon be completed, along with the continued provision of amenities across service formations to enhance operational efficiency.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually to honour Nigerian military personnel who died in the line of duty while also recognising the sacrifices of veterans and their families. Governor Eno called on corporate organisations to support security agencies and appealed for sustained peace in Akwa Ibom State and across the country, stressing that the sacrifices of the nation’s fallen heroes must never be forgotten.
