RismadarVoice Reporters
January 15, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State Government has launched a comprehensive economic empowerment programme aimed at improving the livelihoods of widows of fallen military, police, and paramilitary personnel through sustainable income-generating initiatives.
Governor Umo Eno announced the initiative on Thursday 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, 100 for widows of fallen military personnel and 50 for widows of deceased police and paramilitary officers. Beneficiaries will also receive take-off grants to establish and sustain small-scale businesses.
Governor Eno explained that the initiative represents a shift from short-term financial support to long-term economic empowerment for families of fallen heroes.
“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,” he stated.
In addition to the empowerment package, Governor Eno announced immediate financial support totaling N120 million for serving personnel, a N10 million donation to officers on parade, N20 million to widows present at the ceremony, and another N20 million to Nigerian Legionaries.
He recalled that last year, the state disbursed N250 million in welfare support, including N150 million to widows of fallen military personnel and N100 million to widows of fallen police officers.
Construction of the lock-up stores will commence once the relevant service formations provide land for the project. The Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Bureau of Cooperatives will jointly coordinate and supervise the initiative to ensure timely delivery.
On national unity and politics, Governor Eno urged leaders to view politics as a platform for service rather than conflict, commending political party chairmen who attended the remembrance event.
He expressed optimism that leaders across party lines would continue to embrace development-focused and peaceful politics.
On national security, Governor Eno praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for decisive leadership in tackling security challenges, citing observable improvements in several regions.
He also paid glowing tribute to the courage and sacrifices of officers who have died in active service, as well as those currently engaged in operations nationwide.
Reaffirming his administration’s support for security agencies, the Governor highlighted previous interventions, including the completion and commissioning of internal roads at the Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, and noted that the Command and Control Centre would soon be completed.
He stressed continued provision of amenities to enhance operational effectiveness across service formations.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually to honour Nigerian military personnel who lost their lives in service and to recognize the sacrifices of veterans and their families.
Governor Eno also called on corporate organisations to support security agencies and urged continued peace in Akwa Ibom State and across Nigeria, emphasizing that the sacrifices of the nation’s fallen heroes must never be forgotten.
