By Abdul Kareem
To mark the 2024 edition of the International Women’s Day, the Nigeria Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) in 7 Division had extended a helping hand to 40 widows of soldiers who laid down their lives for their nation.
The event, aimed at providing food support, was marked with both gratitude and grief as these women remembered their late spouses.
Hadiza Yusuf, Hajara Lawan, and Jenifer Monday sat among their peers, reflecting on the hardships faced since the loss of their husbands. The food palliatives, while a welcome aid, also served as a reminder of the void left behind by the soldiers who once provided for their families.
Hadiza said she lost her dear husband, Corporal Yusuf Husseini, in 2023 during a battle with the insurgents and since then she has to cater for her kids. Though she works as a support staff at the 7Div hospitals in the barracks where she no longer lives, livelihood has been very tough for her.
“I’m happy for the palliative gifts from our NAOWA president; this will go a long way for us, but it has not been easy being a single parent and the economy has been taking a toll on my little finance.
Hajara Lawan, who is in her middle age and a mother of four kids, is also dealing with widowhood. She shared that her eldest child is 22 years old, has completed secondary school, and lacks the resources to pursue further education. Despite this, he dreams of following in his father’s footsteps and becoming a soldier.
“My husband died in 2021 and since then I have been struggling to take care of the kids by myself. It has not been easy and I thank NAOWA for looking toward us with this kind gesture.
Jennifer Monday, whose husband died in an accident while on duty last year, stressed that while the support was good, it could not replace her partner. “I miss my husband,Corporal Monday, so much and since his passing, it has not been easy for me. We need more to help us cater for our kids,” she lamented, adding that the army promised to sponsor one of them through primary and secondary school… “I still need support to provide for the other one as well.
At the NAOWA Complex in Maiduguri, the association distributed 40 bags of rice, 40 cartons of spaghetti, and 40 kegs of vegetable oil to the widows, seeking to mitigate the economic hardships they faced.
Hajiya Aishat Haruna, Chairperson of the NAOWA 7 Division Chapter, emphasized the commitment to compassion and support: “We’re all aware that the economic situation is very hard; one of the ways to assist these widows is to give them a lending hand and show them that we care and to bring succour to most of them who’re in need,” she stated.
The event was also highlighted by a lecture on the evolving role of women in society. “Gone were the days when women were given the back seat,” Hajiya Aishat declared in response to the 30 minutes lecture by a female guest speaker.
“We’re here to inspire our women; to show them that they can do better. We want the encouragement to start from the home front because without a woman, there’s no nation but with women, we can accelerate, make progress and we can build a better nation.”
NAOWA’s gesture, part of the activities marking International Women’s Day, seeks to inspire inclusion and acknowledge the sacrifices made by the families of those who serve their country.
The event was attended by top military officers, led by the General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigeria Army, Maiduguri, Major General Haruna who also delivered goodwill messages on the need to inspire women to greatness.
The Humanitarian Times 