As part of activities commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta on Saturday, organised an outreach programme for widows from military, paramilitary and civilian communities across Delta State.
The event, held at the Naval Base in Warri, brought together hundreds of widows in a show of compassion, support and strengthened civil-military relations.
Speaking during the outreach, Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Shehu Tasiu, said the initiative is designed to recognise the sacrifices made by families of deceased service personnel and vulnerable members of society.
According to him, while the navy has spent seven decades protecting Nigeria’s territorial waters, combating piracy and safeguarding critical national assets, the sacrifices of families left behind must also be acknowledged.
He described widows of fallen military and paramilitary officers as bearers of a legacy of honour and sacrifice, assuring them that the navy would continue to support and engage with their families.
Tasiu noted that the outreach extends beyond military families to include widows of civilians, such as traders, farmers, teachers and fishermen, stressing that community wellbeing remains vital to national security.
“When widows and vulnerable families are supported, trust and unity within communities are strengthened,” he said.
The programme also featured goodwill messages from Christian and Muslim clerics, who encouraged the widows to remain steadfast and uphold peace, unity and good neighbourliness.
The Divisional Police Officer of Ugborikoko Police Station, CSP Omosetemi Agbede-Zuokumor, urged mothers to play active roles in raising responsible children and promoting positive values within society.
Also speaking, Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Pat Ajudua, commended the leadership of NNS Delta for what she described as a timely intervention that had helped bridge the gap between civilians and military institutions.
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She reminded widows of their legal rights, noting that Delta State laws protect widows and their children in matters relating to inheritance and family estates.
In an emotional remark, the widows’ representative, Morayo Salami, expressed appreciation to the Navy for remembering and supporting them during difficult times.
The outreach featured entertainment, raffle draws and the distribution of food items, wrappers, buckets and other relief materials to beneficiaries.
Retired naval officers, security agency representatives, members of the Navy Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) and other dignitaries attended the event.
