Widows of Fallen Soldiers Express Feelings of Neglect During Armed Forces Remembrance Day

The occasion of Armed Forces Remembrance Day, a time dedicated to honouring the sacrifices of military personnel, also brought to the fore the lamentations of widows of fallen soldiers. These women expressed their feelings of being overlooked and abandoned, particularly in the face of escalating economic challenges and the rising cost of living.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day event held in Lagos, several widows shared their experiences. The annual commemoration, observed on January 15th, serves as a moment to reflect on the contributions of both past and present members of the armed forces.

Mrs Helen Amodu, the Coordinator for the Military Widows Association at Navy Town, disclosed that she had yet to receive her late husband’s insurance benefits more than a decade after his passing. Amodu, whose husband was the late Capt. F.E. Amodu, underscored the immense financial strain and difficulty of raising children alone in the current economic climate.

"Life as a military widow is far from easy," she stated. "After your husband passes away and the initial severance package is disbursed, you are required to vacate the barracks and transition back into civilian life. This adjustment is incredibly challenging, which is why we formed our association to provide mutual support."

She further explained that the government's palliatives often arrive late, requiring them to persistently appeal for assistance before any response is given. Amodu, who has been a widow for ten years, reiterated her plea for the timely payment of her late husband’s group life insurance, emphasizing it as a rightful entitlement.

"At the very least, his insurance is an entitlement and should be paid to his family. This would go a long way in alleviating the suffering and pain we feel after losing our provider," she added. She noted that despite her efforts, including writing letters to various authorities and the Chief of Naval Staff, her request for the insurance payment remains unaddressed.

"Therefore, I join my fellow widows who are facing this problem of non-payment of our late husbands’ insurance policies to plead with the appropriate authorities to resolve this matter," she concluded.

Similarly, Mrs Yemi Enoch, who has been a widow for seven years, expressed appreciation for the remembrance ceremony but stressed the need for greater support for the families left behind by military personnel who died in service.

"Some of us have children who are still in school or have just completed their education, and we have families to feed; thus, any assistance we can receive would be deeply appreciated," Enoch remarked.

In response, Mr Akeem Wolimoh, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Lagos State chapter, affirmed that the legion consistently distributes palliative support annually to military veterans and the widows of deceased service members. He mentioned that the Lagos State Government had provided 500 bags of 25kg rice and other food items, slated for distribution in February among widows and other eligible recipients.

Wolimoh highlighted Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's continuous support for the legion during the yearly commemorations through financial aid and distributed palliatives. He stated that since assuming office four years ago, he has ensured the annual distribution of essential food items to widows and veterans.

"We currently have 387 widows registered with us, and this year, another set of palliatives will be distributed in February in honour of our fallen heroes," Wolimoh said. He also disclosed plans to establish educational trust funds to support the children of widows, aiming to empower them further.