Widows and families of slain soldiers have called on Nigeria to come to their aid, saying they live in unsavoury economic conditions.
Nigeria on Wednesday, January 15, marked the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) to honour the memories of soldiers who died while defending the nation. The day was marked with the laying of wreaths by government officials, from federal to state levels.
Among those who laid wreaths at the National Arcade, Three Arms Zone, Abuja, to honour the fallen heroes were President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Gift Runika, leader of the Widows Military Association, in an interview with Cityfile, said beyond a ceremony to honour fallen soldiers, the families of slain heroes were in need of economic empowerment and financial support.
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“It has not been easy, we call on Nigeria to empathy and come to the aid of the windows. Among us we have some young widows that need to go back to school, we want scholarships for them, their children and employment for our children”, she said.
She, however, commended the Nigerian authority for remembering the supreme sacrifice paid by the soldiers for the peace of the nation.
The director of Defence Information, Onyema Nwachukwu, said the military was implementing schemes to bring succour to the families of the fallen heroes and veterans who have been wounded in action, but called for more support.
The armed forces remembrance day is observed in Nigeria on January 15 every year. It is to commemorate the end of Nigerian civil war which lasted three years, 1967 to 1970.
The event is also used to honour veterans still alive as well solicit financial support for their wellbeing and the families of the fallen heroes.
