“We Haven’t Forgotten”, Nigerian Army Honors Families of Fallen Heroes with Festive Gifts in Benin

In a poignant display of gratitude and remembrance, the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade in Benin City hosted a special Christmas luncheon and outreach program for the families of soldiers who died in the line of duty.

The event, led by the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, saw the distribution of food items and monetary gifts to 50 widows and six Magajiyas (leaders of soldiers’ wives). The initiative was designed to ensure that the families of those who paid the “supreme price” feel the embrace of the military institution during the holiday season.

According to Brig.-Gen. Balogun, the outreach is a direct reflection of the leadership style of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who has made the wellbeing of personnel and their dependents a top priority.

“We are here to put soldiers first and to bring the Chief of Army Staff’s philosophy to life by celebrating and identifying with our soldiers and their families during this Christmas season,” Balogun said.

He emphasized that the gifts were a small token of the nation’s massive debt to those who fell defending Nigeria. The Commander noted that the luncheon served as a reminder to widows that the Nigerian Army had not forgotten the sacrifices made by their late husbands in the defence of the nation.

“While others are celebrating and making merry, we recognise that some of us here paid the supreme price through their husbands. Though they are no longer with us, the Army is here with you,” he stated.

Joining the Commander in the presentation of items was the Chief Medical Director of the Military Hospital in Benin, Brig.-Gen. Paulina Aburime. She praised the command for the material support and the emotional boost the event provided to the grieving families.

“I thank you on behalf of all the beneficiaries; I have seen you reach out to the widows and the children, and this is something we should continue to do and emulate,” she said.

Brig.-Gen. Aburime also spoke on the importance of internal cohesion within the barracks community, regardless of faith. She urged officers, soldiers and their families to continue to live in unity and love, noting that the Nigerian Army recognises and celebrates both Christian and Muslim festivals.

To this end, Brig.-Gen. Balogun assured the families that this support would not be a one-time event, stating that the initiative would be sustained and extended to other festive periods, including Ramadan and Sallah celebrations.

For the widows in attendance, the gesture provided much-needed relief during a difficult economic period. Speaking on behalf of the families, Mrs. Queen Obazuwa expressed her gratitude while highlighting the ongoing needs of those left behind.

“Please continue to help us and keep the widows in mind; We thank God for his life and say a very big thank you,” she said.

The Army command reiterated that these administrative and social interventions are vital to maintaining the morale of serving troops, knowing that their families will be cared for should the unthinkable happen.