By Deborah Ekanem
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved and disbursed a total sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (₦250 million) as financial empowerment to widows of military and paramilitary personnel in the State.
The empowerment programme, held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Women Development Centre, IBB Way, Uyo, was organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to honour fallen heroes and support the families they left behind.
Presenting an address at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. (Mrs.) Inibehe Silas Etukudo who represented the State Governor described the intervention as a compassionate and timely gesture by Governor Umo Eno, aimed at restoring hope and dignity to widows who have borne profound loss in service to the nation.
Etukudo disclosed that beneficiaries had already begun receiving bank alerts, confirming the direct disbursement of the ₦250 million empowerment funds, noting that the initiative underscores the Governor’s commitment to inclusive governance, social welfare, and the protection of vulnerable groups.
According to the Commissioner, the financial support is not only a means of economic relief but also a strong message of solidarity, reassuring the widows that the state government recognises their sacrifices and is committed to supporting their journey towards economic independence and improved livelihoods.
Hon. Etukudo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, describing it as a patriotic initiative that ensures the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes are continually honoured and remembered.
She also expressed deep appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for prioritising the welfare of widows and women as a core component of his ARISE Agenda, and acknowledged the contributions of the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Noble Lady Helen Eno Obareki, for her impactful grants and vocational programmes for women and widows across the state.
The Commissioner further commended the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Legionnaires, and other relevant stakeholders for their sustained efforts at improving the welfare of widows and vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom State.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, CP Mohammed Azare, expressed profound gratitude to the Governor on behalf of the paramilitary agencies, describing the financial support as a noble gesture and a true demonstration of love and appreciation. He noted that the intervention affirms that the sacrifices of fallen heroes were not in vain and reassures their families that they are remembered and valued.
CP Azare added that the gesture would further strengthen the state’s security architecture, while also commending the various paramilitary representatives for their continued collaboration and support in sustaining peace and security across Akwa Ibom State.
Setting the tone, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Margaret Edem, described the empowerment of paramilitary widows in Akwa Ibom State as unprecedented. She noted that the Ministry painstakingly captured and verified the beneficiaries, and charged them to make judicious use of the funds to improve their livelihoods and the well-being of their households.
On her part, the President of the Military Widows Association, Comrade Grace John, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the State Governor for his special love, care, and consistent support for military widows across the state.
Goodwill messages were received from various military and paramilitary representatives
The event ended with prayers for continued peace and prosperity in Akwa Ibom State and renewed assurances of government support for widows and vulnerable citizens.