The Akwa Ibom State Government has fulfilled its pledge to widows of fallen military and paramilitary personnel with the disbursement of ₦250 million, reaffirming its commitment to social protection, inclusive governance, and support for vulnerable groups across the state.
The empowerment programme, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, was held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Women Development Centre along IBB Way, Uyo. The funds were approved and donated by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, and were channelled through the ministry for direct disbursement to verified beneficiaries.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. (Mrs.) Inibehe Silas Etukudo, described the initiative as a deliberate effort to recognise the sacrifices of fallen officers and to support their widows towards economic stability and self-reliance. She said the intervention reflected Governor Eno’s compassionate leadership and his commitment to the welfare of widows and other vulnerable groups.
According to the Commissioner, the disbursement was not only the fulfilment of a promise but also a reassurance that the state government stands with the widows, values the sacrifices of their spouses, and remains committed to supporting their journey towards economic independence and improved livelihoods.
She also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining the annual Remembrance Day in honour of fallen heroes and praised Governor Eno for prioritising women’s empowerment as a key pillar of the ARISE Agenda of the state government.
The programme witnessed the disbursement of ₦150 million to military widows and ₦100 million to paramilitary widows across Akwa Ibom State. A major highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of cheques to the Military Widows Association and the Paramilitary Widows Association by the Honourable Commissioner.
Setting the tone for the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare informed participants that beneficiaries were already receiving credit alerts during the programme. She appreciated the governor for his magnanimity and explained that beneficiaries were carefully identified and verified. She urged the widows to utilise the funds judiciously to improve their businesses and family wellbeing.
In her remarks, the State Chairperson of the Military Widows Association, Comrade Grace John Aniema, expressed gratitude to the governor, describing the intervention as the first empowerment initiative of its kind for military widows in Akwa Ibom State.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, and the State Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Legion, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Comrade Edumoh Ekerendu. They described the gesture as a noble demonstration of appreciation to the families of fallen heroes and an affirmation that their sacrifices were not in vain.
The ceremony also featured prayers for fallen heroes led by the Comptroller of Immigration, Akwa Ibom State Command, CIS A.G. Odika, as well as a welcome song by the military widows. A military widow, Comrade Enobong Udo Davis from Eket, and Mrs Theresa Tom, a paramilitary widow who spoke on behalf of beneficiaries, expressed appreciation to the state government, noting that the financial support would help strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods. Representatives of various military and paramilitary agencies, including members of paramilitary women associations, were also in attendance at the event.
