About 30 Widows of fallen naval officers drawn from Rivers State on Wednesday benefited from the Naval Officers Wives Association, NOWA palliatives.
The beneficiaries were given palliatives which includes food items such as rice, Samovita , beans and other cooking condiments.
Speaking at the event held at the Nigerian Navy NNS Pathfinder in Port Harcourt , Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Awwal Gambo, said the event is part of activities earmarked to celebrate it’s 57th anniversary.
Admiral Awwal Gambo, who was represented by Admiral John Oyegade, Admiral Superintendent, Naval Shipyard, said he was ecstatic to state that NOWA has been a bridge that has been supporting the efforts of the Nigerian Navy towards alleviating the challenges faced by wives of naval personnel both retired and serving.
He said the association routinely organizes programmes to raise awareness and inform members on critical and important issues and their wellbeing saying that’s the reason why he found the aim of this year’s anniversary celebration apt and right for the season.
“The aim which is to ‘empower widows and orphans in the barracks and across the country who have been exposed to untold hardship’ could not have come at a better time than now with the festive season around the corner. The support from the association will immensely impact on the lives of widows and orphans. It is my view that it will remain indelible in their minds for a long time”
“The NOWA Day Out with widows and orphans has been an annual affair for the association as a way of reaching out to those members who are facing untold hardship. The conduct of this event annually is a noble venture undertaken by NOWA and one which should be sustained.
“Ultimately, it would create a feeling of acceptance and recognition of widows and orphans in the barracks and across the country by NOWA. Let me therefore extend my hand of gratitude to NOWA for providing assistance to widows and orphans and remaining a bridge for the NN to connect with these persons in the barracks and the larger society. One of my goals is to keep on encouraging NOWA to continue with such programmes that directly impact on the lives of disadvantaged persons including retired personnel living in our midst. At this point, I consider it most appropriate to extend my appreciation to widows and orphans and those facing untold hardship for their resilience under such a situation. It is hoped that this occasion will bring succor to you,” he said.
Presenting the palliatives to the beneficiaries, the National President of Naval Officers Wives Association and wife of Chief of Naval Staff, Hajiya Nana Aisha Gambo, said there are more than 258 million windows around the world who have historically been left unseen, unsupported and unmeasured on our societies.
Mrs Gambo said the importance of the programme is to show kindness and solidarity to the widows.
Gambo noted that the event has become fundamental for support for widows considering that majority of the circumstances happended in the line of duty serving their fatherland.
She said the initiatives were aimed at providing succor to naval families in line with the responsibility of the associations.
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