Widows of fallen Nigerian military personnel on Thursday decried what they described as years of neglect and abandonment by relevant authorities, even as the country marked the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
The widows, who spoke during the wreath-laying ceremony held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Victoria Island, Lagos, said the worsening economic situation and rising cost of living had compounded their hardship, years after losing their husbands in active service.
Coordinator of the Military Widows Association, Navy Town, Mrs Helen Amodu, lamented that the group life insurance of her late husband, Capt. F. E. Amodu, had remained unpaid more than 10 years after his death.
Mrs Amodu described life after the loss of a military spouse as “financially draining and emotionally challenging,” noting that widows were often forced to vacate military barracks after severance benefits were paid, leaving them to struggle in civilian life.
“Being the widow of a military officer is not easy. After your husband dies and the severance package is paid, you are asked to leave the barracks. Facing civilian life outside the barracks is very difficult,” she said.
She explained that the Military Widows Association was formed to provide mutual support, adding that government palliatives, when available, were irregular and often delayed.
“The little palliative from government does not come as and when due. Sometimes, we have to beg and cry out before anything is done,” she said.
Calling for urgent intervention, Mrs Amodu said payment of her late husband’s insurance benefit would help ease the suffering of her family and others in similar situations.
“At the very least, the insurance is an entitlement and should be paid to the family. I have written letters to the appropriate authorities, including the Chief of Naval Staff, but there has been no response,” she added.
Another widow, Mrs Yemi Enoch, who lost her husband seven years ago, said while she appreciated the annual remembrance ceremony, more concrete steps were needed to support families left behind by fallen officers and soldiers.
“Some of us still have children in school and mouths to feed. Any form of assistance will go a long way,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Lagos State chapter, Mr Akeem Wolimoh, said the legion had continued to distribute palliatives annually to military veterans and widows of deceased personnel.
He disclosed that the Lagos State Government had donated 500 bags of 25kg rice and other food items, which would be distributed to widows and other beneficiaries in February.
According to him, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had consistently supported the legion with funds and relief materials during past remembrance celebrations.
“We currently have 387 widows registered with us. Since I assumed office four years ago, we have distributed rice, live chickens and other items every year to widows and veterans in need,” Wolimoh said.
He added that plans were underway to empower widows’ children through educational trust funds, as part of efforts to honour the sacrifices of fallen military heroes.
(NAN)
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